Humans and Society

Question 1

What does Hobbes believe about human nature?

Answer 1

• all men are completely equal
• same potential, only experience differs our ability
• we all desire the same things and this causes conflicts

Question 2

Why does Hobbes’ view on human nature lead to the need for society?

Answer 2

Men are equal and all want the same things so have to compete, which causes distrust and a natural state of war. Society creates justice and order in which we can be safe and peaceful- to all of our benefits.

Question 3

What does Hobbes say about the life of a man?

Answer 3

‘ solitary, poor, hasty, brutish and short’

Question 4

What is rousseau’s view on the state of nature?

Answer 4

Men are isolated, not naturally equal, live contentedly alone. In common with animals, men had self love ( to maintain life) and compassion for suffering of other humans.

Question 5

Why does Rousseau believe society was formed?

Answer 5

For acquisition of property . The social contract was devised by the rich to secure property. From this, people began to value reputation.

Question 6

Why does Rousseau believe that society has corrupted man?

Answer 6

He sees that when together we come to value reputation over compassion for others

Question 7

What are Marx’s views about human nature and society?

Answer 7

Capitalism prevents us from developing our true natures. It centres our desires and anguish around possession, and consequently ruins our relationships with other people.

Question 8

What are Nietzsche’s views on power and relationships?

Answer 8

• he sees authority as ‘illusions that we have forgotten are illusions’
• we have an innate desire to dominate others because we want others to accept our ideas
• a powerful person is someone who can assert will to power most effectively; to create their own meaning, values and interpretation
• religion asserts power over individuals who don’t have power to exercise over themselves- ‘slave morality’

Question 9

How does Simone de Beauvoir perceive gender?

Answer 9

‘One is not born a woman but becomes one’- gender is a a social construct

Question 10

How does Plato perceive gender?

Answer 10

Gender does not determine an individuals capacity to fulfil a task. We should have equal opportunities based upon our personal natures

Question 11

How does society impact our perception of gender?

Answer 11

Our understanding of ourselves and others is affected by social concept of gender