The Relationship Between Locke And Rousseau On Human Nature

INTRODUCTION This essay is aimed at discussing how human nature in Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau impact the way that the role and function of the state is viewed. Human Nature is referred to as the essential and immutable character of all human beings. Others may refer to it as the biological or genetic factor suggesting that there is an established and unchanging human core. It highlights what is innate and natural about human life, as opposed to what human beings have gained from education or through social experience. A social contract is an agreements made either among citizens or between citizens which gives rise to the State. When the social contract involves the mutual agreement between individuals in order to gain something from the State, citizens accept the authority of the state in return for benefits which only the state, as a sovereign power, can provide. Social Relations can be defined as the relationship between two or more individuals. There are three philosophers with different vie ws on human nature, the philosophers are Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau all have different views on human nature which impact on the conception of the roles and functions of the state. This essay will now discuss the views on human nature, social relations and the social contract according to each philosopher. THOMAS HOBBES Thomas Hobbes believes that human beings have an appetite for power to live luxurious lives. He believes that human beings are neverShow MoreRelatedThe Relationship Between Locke And Rousseau On Human Nature1763 Words   |  8 PagesINTRODUCTION. This essay is aimed at discussing how human nature in Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau impact the way that the role and function of the state is viewed. Human Nature is referred to as the essential and immutable character of all human beings. Others may refer to it as the biological or genetic factor suggesting that there is an established and unchanging human core. It highlights what is innate and natural about human life, as opposed to what human beings have gained from education or through socialRead MoreProperty Debate Between Locke Rousseau1103 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau, two philosophers with differing opinions concerning the concept of private property. Rousseau believes that from the state of nature, private property came about, naturally transcending the human situation into a civil society and at the same time acting as the starting point of inequality amongst individuals. Locke on the other hand argues that private property acts as one of the fundamental, inalienable moral rights that all humans are entitled toRead MorePolitical Theory: Property1369 Words   |  6 Pagestheir works to speculations about the state of nature and property ownership. However, a comprehensive theoretical exploration of the concept of private property ownership is credited to relatively modern philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau. The writings of Locke and Rousseau on property ownership are quite fascinating to compare. Both philosophers portray the early stages of man in what they refer to as th e State of Nature. This paper takes a critical look at Rousseau’sRead MoreThe Social Contract Theory Since The United States1449 Words   |  6 Pagesdemocracy from the past. During its development, democracy has been falling-up. It is a way out for the improvement of human civilization and universal humanism, but democracy also contains a paradox per se. Overall the nature and dynamics of such democracy remains a never-ending study case for the scholars. This discussion is also part of efforts to respond to that paradoxical nature of democracy. 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For this paper I will be arguing that, John Locke provides a more compelling framework of modern era liberalism because of his perception of the state of nature, the social contract and the function of governmentRead MoreLocke And Rousseau s Theory Of A Social Contract1206 Words   |  5 PagesJohn Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau are often associated with modern liberal ideas such as equality for all citizens, freedom and liberty, etc†¦ However, Locke and Rousseau present far more nuanced arguments in their works and although they share views on some aspects they ultimately have a different political philosophy. Locke and Rousseau have clearly distinct social contract theories, interpretations of man and the state of nature. In his work, Discourse on Inequality, establishes the idea ofRead MoreRousseau s State Of Nature1037 Words   |  5 PagesRousseau defines the state of nature as â€Å"The hypothetical, prehistoric place and time where human beings live uncorrupted by society† (Editors). 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