Hobbes and The State of Nature | Thomas Hobbes and Leviathan

Summary

This script explores Thomas Hobbes' view on human nature, particularly his concept of the 'state of nature' where humans are equal but prone to conflict due to competition, diffidence, and the desire for glory. Hobbes argues that in the absence of societal structures, life is 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.' The video challenges the mischaracterization of Hobbes as a proponent of evil human nature, emphasizing that his theories are grounded in practical observations of human behavior. It also humorously clarifies that the comic strip 'Calvin and Hobbes' is named in his honor, not for any character similarities.

Takeaways

• 📚 Thomas Hobbes is often mischaracterized as the 'big government evil guy' but his philosophy is more nuanced.
• 🤔 Hobbes is known for his famous quote about life being 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short,' which is often taken out of context.
• 📖 The transcript discusses Hobbes's 'Leviathan,' specifically a modernized edition, which is a key text in understanding his political philosophy.
• 🌳 Hobbes's concept of the 'state of nature' is a hypothetical scenario where there is no government, order, or organization, allowing for the observation of pure human nature.
• 💪 In the state of nature, Hobbes believes humans are fairly equal in many respects, with differences not significant enough to justify one person's dominance over another.
• 🧐 Hobbes's theory acknowledges the diversity of humanity but argues that in the state of nature, people are less diverse and more equal, which can be difficult to comprehend in modern society.
• 🍎 The equality in the state of nature leads to conflict, as people with equal ability and hope for the same resources become enemies.
• 🥊 Hobbes identifies three main areas of conflict in the state of nature: competition, diffidence (safety), and glory (reputation).
• 🔒 Hobbes argues that even in society with laws, people take practical steps to protect themselves, which is indicative of the underlying conflict in the state of nature.
• 👮‍♂️ The absence of a common power or law in the state of nature means there is no concept of justice or injustice, challenging our notions of morality.
• 🐾 The character 'Hobbes' from 'Calvin and Hobbes' is named as a nod to the political science department at Bill Watterson's college, not for any character similarities.

Q & A

Who is Thomas Hobbes and what is he commonly known for?

Thomas Hobbes is a renowned philosopher, often remembered as the 'big government evil guy' from high school world history classes. He is known for his political philosophy, particularly his views on the state of nature and human nature.

What is the famous quote by Thomas Hobbes that is often associated with his view on human nature?

The famous quote by Thomas Hobbes is 'the life of man solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.' It is often used to summarize his belief about the natural state of humanity.

What is the 'state of nature' in the context of Hobbes' philosophy?

The 'state of nature' in Hobbes' philosophy refers to a hypothetical condition in which there is no government, order, or organization, akin to a time of cavemen, where human nature can be observed free from societal influences.

According to Hobbes, what is the fundamental equality among humans in the state of nature?

Hobbes claims that in the state of nature, humans are fairly equal in many respects, with the differences not being so considerable that one person can claim any significant advantage over another.

How does Hobbes explain the conflict arising from the equality of humans in the state of nature?

Hobbes explains that from the equality of ability arises equality of hope in attaining our ends, which leads to conflict when two or more people desire the same thing that they cannot both enjoy, making them enemies.

What are the three main areas of conflict Hobbes identifies in the state of nature?

Hobbes identifies three main areas of conflict in the state of nature: competition, diffidence, and glory. Competition arises over resources, diffidence from the need for safety, and glory for reputation.

How does Hobbes use the example of playing Minecraft to illustrate the concept of diffidence?

Hobbes uses the example of playing Minecraft, where a player might feel the need to destroy a creeper that is far away but poses a potential threat, to illustrate the constant state of anxiety and conflict due to diffidence in the state of nature.

What is Hobbes' practical defense for his theory of human nature in the state of nature?

Hobbes' practical defense is to point out the actions people take in society, such as locking doors, avoiding dangerous areas, and not posting sensitive information online, to protect themselves and their belongings from others, which would be even more necessary in a state of nature without laws and government.

Why might it be a mischaracterization to say that Hobbes thinks human nature is evil?

It might be a mischaracterization to say Hobbes thinks human nature is evil because, in the state of nature, there is no law, and thus no concepts of right and wrong, justice and injustice. Actions that may seem evil in society are simply survival instincts in the absence of law.

Why is the comic strip 'Calvin and Hobbes' named after Thomas Hobbes?

The comic strip 'Calvin and Hobbes' is named after Thomas Hobbes not because of any character similarities but as a tribute to the political science department at Bill Watterson's college.