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Do Hobbes' political conclusions rest on a mistaken conception of human nature?
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Do Hobbes' political conclusions rest on a mistaken conception of human nature? Thomas Hobbes(1588-1679), was an English political philosopher, whose political ideologies, particularly those displayed in his classic work, Leviathan, are still echoed to this day, mainly by Conservatives who seem prepared to sacrifice some aspects of liberty in the cause of social order. Hobbes particularly stresses the supreme importance of a strong sovereign to rule over individuals, who he describes as being ultimately rationally self-interested. He believes that in the absence of such a strong leader, the consequence may be a return to the undesirable 'state of nature'. However, many believe that Hobbes' political assumptions are based on a mistaken conception of human nature. Other great political thinkers, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Karl Marx, have somewhat conflicting views on human nature, that bring those of Hobbes into question. In addition to this, Hobbes' personal life and the climate...
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