Political Science 1020E Lecture : Poli Sci Wolff Reading .docx
26 Nov 2012
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Where there are humans there is a state. Without a state we would be lower forms of animal, not human. Some say that humans have lived in a state of nature. Believed a state of nature could never succeed. 2 keys to understanding human nature; self-knowledge and knowledge of general physics. Humans seek felicity (success in achieving self-desire), which forced humans to create a state. Humans being equal means the weakest could kill the strongest in one way or another (equally vulnerable) Goods owned are always sought after by others so no one person is always safe. He sees 3 principle reasons for attack in the state of nature; for gain (competition), safety (lack of trust) and glory (reputation) State of nature will turn into a battlefield. No morality in a state of nature. There is a natural right of liberty if someone is causing harm, you have the liberty to act on it.
