Essay on "Hobbes and the Character of Humankind"

Essay 4 pages (1139 words) Sources: 3

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Hobbes think is the essential character of humankind? Use specific examples from Leviathan (excerpted in text) to support your position

Hobbes contends that despite the fact that most people believe that there are massive differences between the strength and intelligence of one person over another, we are all essentially equal. While there may be minor differences between us, people usually have a tendency to overestimate their own strength and intelligence, and underestimate the strength and intelligence of others. Therefore, the gap between us is usually not as wide as we make it out to be. This equilibrium, according to Hobbes, is the ultimate cause of conflict because "From this equality of ability arises equality of hope in the attaining of our ends. And therefore if any two men desire the same thing, which nevertheless they cannot both enjoy, they become enemies" (ch. 13, 11-14).

As a result, humankind will live in a constant state of war unless they are able to be in awe of someone or something that has far greater strength, intelligence and power than they do. Without this superior entity to control them, humankind's brute nature will take over and conflict will inevitably persist: "For the laws of nature - as justice, equity, modesty, mercy, and, in sum, doing to others as we would be done to - of themselves, without the terror of some power to cause them to be observed, are contrary to our natural passions, that carry us to partiality, pride, revenge and the like" (ch. 17, 70-74).

For Hobbes, peace and harmony can only truly exist when the masses are willing to hand over their power to a chosen few. These chosen few elite can then control the barbaric nature of the masses by giving them someone 'superior' to look up to for guidance, and to make sure the laws generated to create peace and harmony are enforced. Without that almighty "Leviathan" to keep people from living in a world of endless battle and conflict, humankind would be destined for self-destruction.

So how does this powerful entity emerge? According to Hobbes, it can happen in one of two ways. Either by force of nature, or by society choosing who they trust to control their affairs. This political commonwealth "by acquisition" is charged with the "making and executing of good laws, to which individual persons may apply their own cases" (ch. 30, 137-138). Since it is human nature to act in a combative matter when not under strict control, Hobbes contends, then it is only logical that a strong central government that acts as this vehicle of control will succeed in creating cooperative relationships among mankind, as opposed to the perpetual state of conflict designated by nature.

What this ultimately implies, however, is a sense of 'puppet master' control in which citizens are expected to blindly accept the decisions of the "experts"; experts that they have chosen to represent their best interests. While in an ideal world, courtroom officials and elected national leaders would always have the best interests of the public at heart, in actuality, self-interests are typically a very large part of the equation. This is especially true in modern society when corruption and politics have become practically synonymous. While it may be true that ignorance is bliss and that with knowledge comes torment, what is the purpose of living a life in which blind obedience is the common… READ MORE

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