Origin of Society and Its Impact to the Human Person

Summary

This video explores various theories on the formation of society, drawing from key philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, and Locke. Plato emphasizes specialization and division of labor for self-sufficiency, while Aristotle views society as a natural evolution driven by human instincts. Hobbes argues that society is created to escape the chaos of the 'state of nature' through a powerful sovereign, while Locke highlights the necessity of a social contract to protect individual rights. Together, these theories reveal the complex relationship between humans and the societies they form, shaping beliefs, behavior, and values throughout history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Plato believes society is formed for self-sufficiency, with individuals specializing in different roles to achieve a common good.
• 😀 According to Plato, the division of labor and specialization lead to a stratified society with distinct social classes, such as rulers, soldiers, and workers.
• 😀 Aristotle views society as a natural evolution stemming from basic human instincts, specifically reproduction and self-preservation, leading to the formation of the family, village, and ultimately the state.
• 😀 Aristotle asserts that the state is the highest form of community and is essential for achieving the 'good life,' defined by virtue and contemplation.
• 😀 Hobbes argues that in the 'state of nature,' life is chaotic and dangerous, and society is formed through a social contract to ensure peace, security, and the protection of life and property.
• 😀 According to Hobbes, the social contract gives absolute power to a sovereign (the Leviathan) to maintain order, with individuals giving up certain freedoms in exchange for safety.
• 😀 Locke's theory states that the state of nature is peaceful but flawed due to the lack of impartial judges and authority, prompting people to form a government to resolve disputes and protect natural rights.
• 😀 Locke emphasizes that the social contract creates a government with limited powers, and the people retain the right to remove rulers who violate the contract.
• 😀 Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, and Locke all agree that society plays a critical role in shaping individual behavior, beliefs, and values, but they differ in how they view its formation and impact.
• 😀 Theories of society formation highlight the balance between individual freedom and collective order, with varying levels of control imposed by rulers or governments in exchange for societal benefits.

Q & A

Why did Plato believe societies were formed?

Plato believed that societies were formed to achieve self-sufficiency. Since no individual could fulfill all of life’s necessities alone, people came together to specialize in different tasks such as farming, carpentry, and shoemaking, allowing them to contribute to the common good.

What role does division of labor play in Plato's theory of society?

In Plato’s theory, division of labor is key to the formation of society. By specializing in different tasks, individuals can work more efficiently, which leads to a structured society with distinct social classes, ensuring that everyone contributes to achieving the common goal of self-sufficiency.

What is the role of the Guardians in Plato's society?

The Guardians in Plato’s society are responsible for governance and protection. Plato believed society needed special classes of people who could enforce laws and defend the state. These Guardians are divided into two types: soldiers to protect the city and rulers to manage disputes and make decisions.

How does Aristotle define the formation of society?

Aristotle argues that society is formed naturally from human instincts, particularly the instincts to reproduce and preserve life. Starting with the family, society evolves through villages and eventually forms the state, which is the highest form of community and necessary for achieving the good life.

What distinguishes Aristotle’s concept of the state from the family or village?

Aristotle distinguishes the state from the family and village by its self-sufficiency and its ability to provide for the highest good of man—a life of virtue and contemplation. The family and village meet basic needs, while the state allows individuals to live a fully realized life.

How does Hobbes describe the state of nature, and why did men form society according to him?

Hobbes describes the state of nature as a condition of constant conflict, where there is no government or common law, and life is 'nasty, brutish, and short.' To escape this chaos, men form society through a social contract, establishing a commonwealth to ensure peace, security, and the protection of life.

What is the role of the Leviathan in Hobbes’ social contract theory?

In Hobbes' theory, the Leviathan is the absolute authority—a single ruler or governing body to whom individuals surrender their personal freedoms in exchange for protection and order. The Leviathan makes and enforces laws, and its authority is absolute and indivisible.

How does John Locke’s view of the state of nature differ from Hobbes’?

Unlike Hobbes, Locke views the state of nature as a condition of peace, goodwill, and equality. In Locke's view, men live according to natural law and have the right to life, liberty, and property. However, disputes and the lack of impartial judges lead to the formation of society to resolve these issues.

What motivated individuals to form society in John Locke's theory?

In Locke's theory, individuals formed society to resolve the inconveniences of the natural law. The natural law was ambiguous, leading to conflicts, and there was no central authority to enforce it. To solve this, people entered into a social contract, creating a government to enforce laws and ensure justice.

What is the difference between Locke’s and Hobbes' views on government authority?

Locke and Hobbes differ in their views on government authority. While Hobbes advocates for an absolute ruler (the Leviathan) with unquestionable authority, Locke believes that government authority is conditional. The people have the right to remove a ruler who does not fulfill the terms of the social contract.