Lecture 9 John Locke

Question 1

Who was Thomas Hobbes, and what influenced his philosophy?

Answer 1

Hobbes was an English philosopher (1588-1679) influenced by the English Civil War, Puritan Revolution, and thinkers like Descartes and Galileo. He aimed to develop political science grounded in human nature.

Question 2

What are the key works of Thomas Hobbes?

Answer 2

Key works include The Elements of Law, De Cive, Leviathan, and Behemoth.

Question 3

What is Hobbes’ concept of the state of nature?

Answer 3

The state of nature is a hypothetical scenario where humans live without government or laws, leading to chaos and conflict.

Question 4

What does Hobbes mean by ‘life in the state of nature’?

Answer 4

In the state of nature, life is ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short’ due to constant fear, lack of security, and absence of laws or morality.

Question 5

What is Hobbes’ view on human nature?

Answer 5

Hobbes believed humans are driven by desires and fears, strive for self-preservation, and are fundamentally equal in their capacity to harm each other.

Question 6

What does Hobbes mean by ‘equality of humans’?

Answer 6

Equality means all humans have similar physical and mental capabilities, making them equally able to pursue their goals or harm others.

Question 7

How does equality lead to conflict in Hobbes’ theory?

Answer 7

Equality fosters conflict because individuals compete for scarce resources, leading to mistrust and violence.

Question 8

What are the three causes of conflict in the state of nature?

Answer 8

The three causes of conflict are competition (for resources), diffidence (mistrust), and glory (pride/reputation).

Question 9

What does Hobbes mean by ‘war of all against all’?

Answer 9

It refers to a state of constant conflict where everyone is at war with everyone else, driven by self-preservation and lack of authority.

Question 10

Does Hobbes think humans are inherently bad?

Answer 10

No, Hobbes doesn’t think humans are inherently bad; rather, their behavior in the state of nature is rational for survival.

Question 11

What are the consequences of the state of nature according to Hobbes?

Answer 11

The state of nature lacks industry, arts, knowledge, and security, leading to fear and uncertainty.

Question 12

What is meant by ‘no right or wrong’ in the state of nature?

Answer 12

In the absence of a common power, there is no morality, justice, or law—’force and fraud’ dominate.

Question 13

What are the ‘laws of nature’ in Hobbes’ philosophy?

Answer 13

The laws of nature are rational principles guiding individuals to seek peace, form covenants, and maintain order.

Question 14

What is the first law of nature?

Answer 14

The first law of nature is to seek peace whenever possible but defend oneself if necessary.

Question 15

What is the second law of nature?

Answer 15

The second law of nature is to relinquish the right to everything for the sake of peace and mutual security.

Question 16

What is the third law of nature?

Answer 16

The third law of nature is to honor covenants, as they are the foundation of order and trust.

Question 17

How are the laws of nature collectively rational?

Answer 17

The laws of nature promote collective rationality, aligning individual survival with collective peace.

Question 18

What is the social contract in Hobbes’ theory?

Answer 18

The social contract is an agreement where individuals give up certain freedoms to a sovereign in exchange for security and order.

Question 19

Why is a sovereign necessary in Hobbes’ theory?

Answer 19

A sovereign is necessary to enforce covenants and prevent a return to the state of nature.

Question 20

What does Hobbes mean by the Leviathan?

Answer 20

The Leviathan is a metaphor for the sovereign, representing collective authority and ensuring peace and security.

Question 21

What are the formal characteristics of the sovereign in Hobbes’ view?

Answer 21

The sovereign is undivided, absolute, and represents the collective will. It ensures safety, order, and the only legal authority.

Question 22

What is the role of censorship in Hobbes’ political theory?

Answer 22

Censorship ensures peace by controlling opinions and doctrines that could disrupt societal order.

Question 23

How does Hobbes reconcile fear and freedom?

Answer 23

Fear does not negate freedom; actions taken under fear, like obeying laws, are still voluntary according to Hobbes.

Question 24

How does Hobbes compare individual and collective rationality?

Answer 24

Individual rationality drives conflict in the state of nature, but collective rationality promotes peace and security through covenants.

Question 25

How does Hobbes view international relations?

Answer 25

States exist in a condition similar to the state of nature, with constant distrust and competition, but they avoid misery through stability and productivity.

Question 26

How can Hobbes’ theory be applied to contemporary issues like climate change?

Answer 26

Hobbes’ theory highlights the need for strong governance to tackle collective problems like climate change, emphasizing the role of enforcement in global agreements.

Question 27

How does Locke’s state of nature differ from Hobbes’ state of nature?

Answer 27

Locke’s state of nature is a state of peace and mutual assistance governed by natural law, unlike Hobbes’ violent and chaotic state of nature.

Question 28

What example does Locke give to explain labor-based property acquisition?

Answer 28

Locke illustrates labor-based property acquisition with examples like a servant cutting turf or a horse grazing grass, both of which become property through labor.

Question 29

How does Locke justify inequality through the use of money?

Answer 29

Money allows the accumulation of wealth without spoilage and legitimizes inequality by mutual consent, as gold and silver do not decay.

Question 30

What are the criticisms of Locke’s views on property and Indigenous peoples?

Answer 30

Critics argue Locke’s views justified colonialism by dismissing Indigenous land use practices and prioritizing European labor-intensive agriculture.

Question 31

What are the specific conditions under which Locke justifies revolt?

Answer 31

Revolt is justified if the government breaches its mandate to protect natural rights, such as property or liberty.

Question 32

What is the Lockean proviso, and how does it justify or limit inequality?

Answer 32

The Lockean proviso limits property rights by requiring no waste, individual labor, and leaving sufficient resources for others, though it accepts inequality introduced by money.

Question 33

What are Locke’s biases in his concept of toleration?

Answer 33

Locke’s toleration excludes atheists and Catholics due to perceived moral and political threats, reflecting his biases.

Question 34

How does tacit consent legitimize governments in Locke’s theory?

Answer 34

Tacit consent is given when individuals use resources or live under a government, obliging them to follow its laws.

Question 35

How does prerogative power differ from legislative authority in Locke’s framework?

Answer 35

Prerogative power allows the executive to act for the public good without legal prescription, differing from legislative authority, which is bound by established laws.