Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Thomas Hobbes, Sarcasm
22 Feb 2016
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Document Summary
According to one preferred definition of politics- politics is a way of dealing with conflict. Imagine life without political power: one state of nature is one natural way of life without state. Wrote the leviathan in 1651 arguing we need one state. Powerful state is needed to avoid disastrous interpersonal conflict. Felicity (humans seek felicity: means being successful & getting what you want. Power: ones present mean to gain future good. Predominantly self-regarding: look out for their own interests. Averse to our own death: humans act like so they don"t die. Laws of nature to you laws of nature: freedom/right every person has, the right to do whatever preserves yourself, rules for self-preservation, don"t do to others, what you don"t want them to do. Fundamental law- seek peace, if you can get it. Second law- lay down your natural right, if others do too. It is rational for individuals to attack others.
