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.
Hobbes (Statist 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.