Textbook Work (Unit 3) Flashcards
Western society views? (5)
- Belief in unlimited progress
- Belief in the exclusive supremacy of reason
- Belief in the supreme autonomy of the individual
- Belief in the ever-increasing domination control of nature by human beings
- Belief that success and efficiency are the two principle that criteria judging the worth of human beings and their activities
What does Hobbes say?
Without rules, society would be chaotic (people would live in constant danger of violent death)
What does Hobbes say about work?
Work is a commodity, work is valuable and there is a price on it (receiving money based on how much others value their work)
- Humans all possess something they can offer to the market
What does Hobbes say about the self serving nature of humans?
Everyone seeks out good that best serves them because of their fear of death. It is an unspoken contract where people give up appetite for power
What does Hobbes state as a solution?
Due to the state of conflict, we need a ruler that can protect us and give them power to live to not live in a constant state of fear
What does Locke believe?
People share a faculty of reason, when reason is left to human behaviour it degenerates into conflict. Everyone is equal and Earth’s riches belongs to everyone
According to Locke, what is the relationship between property and the freedom of an individual?
Property is a crucial right that is earned through work and is needed so that people can care for themselves and pursue happiness (thus exercising freedom). We can enjoy it when we are free to pursue it
According to Locke, what is the role of the government?
It is their job to protect private property and the people. In order for this to happen, we hand over some of our rights (social contract). Otherwise people can resist or overthrow it
What does Hobbes say about human nature?
We are good by nature, and are inclined towards compassion. However this clashes with wills ad wants of others, threatening individual’s survival and freedom
What is the ‘social contract’ that Rosseau talk about?
Individuals preserve themselves and remain free by submitting to the general will of people
- They are held to the standards of others, and obey themselves as they all in a way write the law
- These laws are sovereign, and the people should make the laws under what they agree to live
What should the role the government take according to Rosseau?
Implemented by the people, should secure freedom, equality and justice for their people, regardless of the will of the majority
What does Rawls do?
Connects Hobbes, Locke and Rosseau
What was Rawl’s famous work?
Theory of Justice: aims to provide an alternative to utilitarianism as he thought utilitarianism was unacceptable.
What is utiliarianism?
Allows the rights of some people to be sacrificed for the greater benefit of others as long as the total happiness is increased
What is original position according to Rawls?
Refers to the state someone is in before they’re subjected to societal standards and society’s contract
