The Argument for Government

 Directions: Put answer in your Cornell notes.

1. Define the underlined words and then review the outline.
2. Describe why Hobbes thinks we need government.
3. Give your opinion of Hobbes' argument.

• Natural human state is a war of 'every man against every man."
• Psychologically, people are self-centered, driven by 'a perpetual and restless desire for power after power that ceaseth only in death."
• Fundamental concern is with self-preservation and the wealth and prestige that secures it
• Ontologically (Ontology: the Study of Being), humans are simply objects in motion like every other object making up the universe. They appear otherwise only because they are more complex (Materialism).
• Material objects are essentially external to each other. Bonds such as compassion, empathy or common purpose cannot unite them.
• Life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short."
• Without strong central government life is simply grief.

Next Read About Anarchism and take notes in Cornell notes. Compare and contrast the ideas in  your summary.