Political Realism vs Idealism: Hobbes, Rousseau

Question 1

Which 3 philsophers ascribe to Idealism

Answer 1

1. Plato
2. Rousseau (1700s)
3. Marx

Question 2

Which 2 philosophers ascribe to Realism?

Answer 2

1. Hobbes (1600s)
2. Machiavelli

Question 3

Who wrote the Leviathan Book

Answer 3

Hobbes

Question 4

Who wrote the Social Contract book

Answer 4

Rousseau

Question 5

Hobbe’s Realism

Answer 5

Human Nature: pessemistic, naturally selfish & cruel
State of Nature: “war of all gainst all”, life is “nasty brutish & short”
Purpose of Government: Security

Question 6

Rousseau’s Idealism

Answer 6

Human Nature: opptimistic, natrually compassionate
State of Nature: peaceful “noble savage”
Purpose of Government: Cultivate & Enrich - help us develop our capacities

Question 7

Rousseau’s criticism of the Enlgihtenment belief in progress: As we make economic & technological progress,

Answer 7

morality & happiness decline