Hobbes \"On the State of Nature\" : Is Hobbes\' view of human nature accurate? D

Question

Hobbes "On the State of Nature" :

Is Hobbes' view of human nature accurate? Do we always act out of the motivations of fear and distrust? Are people entirely self-interested egoists? Is psychological egoism, the view that we always do what we perceive to be in our best interest, too bleak and one-sided?

Hobbes thought that only an absolute sovereign could establish or ensure peace and civil society. Is he correct? What would his estimation of democracy be? Could democratic society make use of his analysis? How would democrats modify Hobbes' theory?

Please, I need two pharagraphs answering these questions. Thank you very much.

Explanation / Answer

Hobbes argues that all the human beings are equally built with the body and mind and everyone has equal rights to live in this world. If a strong man attacks a weak person, the latter might look for alternate ways to fight back or join hands with other weak people to form a formidable ally to fight the strong man. He further says that peace will be possible only when everyone supports peace by overcoming human suspicious nature.

Democratic governments could very well use Hobbes views because we don’t hurt anyone on our own because we want peace and trust between the countries. When the other person past our territory attacks us we have the complete right to protect us, our country and resources from them. Some countries attack first to make others understand that they are powerful, thus preventing others from thinking of an attack. Some fight for gain, some for security while few others for power. Democratic governments should think of not attacking first because most of the things would be only assumptions that may not be right.

We, as human beings carry the basic instinct of fear and doubt wherever we go, especially with strange people, place and events. Today, we have preconceived notions, stereotypical views and the fear of unknown within us that prevents us from trusting, accepting and appreciating others. Basically, everyone is self-interested and egoists, especially in the materialistic, capitalistic and individualistic Western world wherepeople just think of themselves. They don’t even care about their immediate family members and their relationship thrives on materialistic view.

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