blog




  • Essay / Hobbes' Social Contract Theory and Government

    Hobbes was influenced by the state of nature. He is best known for being a modern philosopher as well as for his book Leviathan. Hobbes' social contract states that everyone agrees to create a government in which they work toward a goal to be achieved. If all people were trying to conquer the Commonwealth, then it would be beneficial for everyone to work towards the same goal in life. Hobbes' theory gives everyone freedom, but does not necessarily give them security. One might think that morality might be thrown out the window when it comes to Hobbes, but that is when he creates the agreement among all, called the Commonwealth, which is formed by an institution or an agreement. If all citizens agree, morality can change when people feel the same way about a certain rule. For example, if people thought that stealing was acceptable and then everyone agreed, this would be considered a change in agreement that it is acceptable for people to steal. Hobbes' social contract theory is not something our society should adopt today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Hobbes's social contract theory is not a good idea because it does not provide any rules or laws in place. His theory is based on the fact that the majority of people agree on a set of rules. If they want to change their way of thinking, they will have the right to do so. Comparing his social contract theory to our modern society, he gives people all the freedom, but no security. A society that does not have security can ruin the morality of a society. He believes a Commonwealth Agreement will improve city-state relations, but because it can change so often, it wouldn't work in any society. He says that a man will do anything without fear of punishment to get what he wants – power – and whatever it costs him, he will do it because there is no such thing as punishment. The next reason his theory wasn't good. this is because he believes that all humans are atomists. He believes that people are all self-interested, isolated or contractual in economic matters. Someone who is fully moral would be considered someone who has emotions, a dependence on others, and then reinforces their understanding of morality. This theory does not explain how to be a moral person or when and why. When morality is irrelevant, a society can lead to chaos. Another reason why we should be moral is that it can be logical to think that God is the one who created morality. If there is a God, he would want people to grow and succeed if there really is a God. To compare and contrast, Hobbes' social contract theory is a good view. Hobbes's intentions for civilization were to create a community environment. If all citizens come together to achieve the same goal, it will benefit everyone. Some benefits include that people can enjoy their freedom without punishment. When they decide that a rule is no longer fair, they can change it. When civilization has no set rules, it is assumed that no crime should naturally be committed. This would conclude that they are capable of changing and revising any laws or rules that have been passed. Everyone is interested and will invest in themselves to thrive in society. Any man will be able to get what he wants if he works hard enough to get it. The final reason why Hobbes' social contract theory is a good idea is that it is against.