Political Science 1020E Lecture 2: State of Nature - Lecture 2
12 Feb 2019
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Document Summary
Why do we need a state: one answer is the state of nature i. e. thought experiment in which we imagine a life without the state. Three versions of this state of nature : hobbes ( natural condition of mankind , locke, rousseau. Hobbes (1588-1679) leviathan (1651 ) in defense of the state. Hobbesian themes: fear fear and i were born twins , war- theorist of war state of nature is a state of war - behemoth 1679, peace theorist of peace his fundamental law: seek peace. Humans seek felicity i. e. being continually successful in getting what you want. In order to have that, one must have power (defined as one"s present means to obtain some future apparent good . 3 reasons to attack: competition, attack for gain, lack of trust, attack for safety diffidence , best defence is a good offense, glory, attack for reputation, source of power, to be alive is to seek power .
