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Introduction
One of the most entrancing yet unexplored terrains
connected to the psychological traits and tendencies
of a respectively particularly defined sociological
area tends to be the terrain that exists in concern
to the nature of man. Take into consideration,
for instance, the fact that, although we currently
have an exceptional degree of know-how in concern
to the psycho-social, cultural and behavioral
traits of humans living within a respectively
defined area, we still have no idea as to the
core reasons due to which individuals tend to
partake in actions that are significantly advantageous
or detrimental to the fabric of their society.
This is the prime reason due to which renowned
philosophers such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes
have timelessly focused on illustrating the reasons
due to which man may yield a lack of inclination
towards ensuring the advantageousness of his society.
An introductory perspective on Hobbes and his
ideological characteristics
Take into consideration, for instance, the fundamental
features and characteristics of the social theory
regarding the state of nature as espoused by Hobbes
within his work ‘Leviathan’. Within
‘Leviathan’, Hobbes presents a theory
that holds that the natural state of man is bleak
indeed, fraught with danger to life and property.
This, moreover, is something that he justifies
in as much as stating that by nature, all men
are equal; ‘the weakest has strength enough
to kill the strongest’ (Hobbes, 1996: p.
101). It is not surprising, subsequently, that
Hobbes theory adheres to the belief that moral
or ethical concepts of good and evil are meaningless
in the state of nature. This is since solitary
man can use whatever force is necessary to preserve
his life and goods against all around him when
surviving and interacting in a state of nature
utterly devoid of socio-cultural and psychological
stimuli.
Hobbes elaborates on this by going on to referring
to this condition of existence as a ‘Warre’;
a warre as is of every man against every man (Hobbs,
1996: p. 103). Thus speaking and idealizing in
light of this, Hobbes conclusively indicates that
the society is the result of the social contract.
The ideology adhering to a ‘contract’,
moreover, is emergent of the notion that society
provides man with a platform upon which he can
exist with a minimal of the primeval fears espoused
to be existent within the natural state. Society,
thus speaking and considering it in light of the
Hobbes theory, is fundamentally the eventual result
of the collectively human desire for peace as
an escape from continual fear. Thus speaking,
we will now consider the implications that Locke’s
theories hold in concern to the same issues that
Hobbes has addressed within his social contract
theory in Leviathan.
Considering the theories of lock in light of
those of Hobbes
One of the first things that becomes apparent
when considering Locke’s ideological stance
in the light of that of Hobbes’ is that
the former automatically attains a comparatively
positivistic overtone. Take into consideration,
for instance, that unlike the implications of
Hobbes’ ideological perspective, those of
Locke do not, in any way, suggest that the natural
state or condition of man is a condition of ‘warre’.
In an evident contradiction of Hobbes, Locke holds
that the natural state is a neutral state rather
than one which rewards individuals with the license
to resort to any and all resources in order to
the protect what they see as being crucial to
their individuality. There are contentions, but
the lack of their relevance is made quite clear
when considering the Locke refers to them wholly
as ‘inconveniences’ (Locke, 1952).
Locke does not, however, as a subsequent result
of the discrepancies that his theory hold towards
that of Hobbes, deny the need for society. And
this is something that is made clear when considering
it in light of the specifics as to why he, Locke,
espouses the need for societal parameters.
Take into consideration, for instance, that Locke
asserts that the natural conditions does enable
individuals to execute the law of nature and to
consequently punish offenders of that law. And
while Locke says that this sense of justice is
born exclusively of the element of reasoning of
morality within the human psyche; he also adds
that the best way to deal with the possibly resultant
confusion is to appreciate ‘that civil government
is the proper remedy’ (Locke, 1952: p. 11).
Moreover, Locke illustrates a reflection of Hobbes
in as much as his assertion that it is the need
for civilized society that basically fuels the
need for a compact or contract. Furthermore, he
goes on to indicate that ‘no man in civil
society can be exempted from the laws of it’
(Locke; 1952: p. 62) proving that even he, for
all his differences with Hobbes, appreciates the
need for civilized society. Locke asserts that
by ‘agreeing together mutually to enter
into one community, and make one body politic’
(Locke, 1852: p. 12).
Conclusion (s)
It is quite apparent, thus speaking and taking
into consideration all that has been considered
in concern to both, Locke as well as Hobbes; that
Locke’s law seems to yield more sensibility
and promise. It would be conclusively appropriate
to acknowledge that one of the prime reasons due
to which this is so is that Locke, rather unlike
Hobbes, derives from an idea for a natural law
that derives from reason. Hobbes' theory of license
does not hold up because when considering this
in light of the prevailing features and characteristics
of present-day society, it becomes apparent that
people desire peace. And while Hobbes does not
support this, Locke appears to be comfortable
with the notion inter-related existence. Locke,
moreover, also stresses comparatively on the issue
of such small things as reflector.
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