Locke Vs. Hobbes The Need For The Social Contract

Locke vs Hobbes When we think of evolution, especially in scientific terms, we think of species emerging and changing physically, since we are observing the results over long periods of time. Evolution, though, if you can call it that, is a fleeting thing when observed in a smaller timeline, and we find it hard to understand that it is simply the process of life. We appeared on this world only 250,000 years ago, and as far as we can tell, we have not changed much physically, except for the slight racial differences which are slowly disappearing as we mingle more. We are not only changing and evolving physically, but more profoundly mentally, and rather than individually, more as a†¦show more content†¦It soon became evident that resources once given to an autocratic figure could now easily be shared among the populace. As Locke infers, humanity realized their true nature. The difference between Hobbe’s and Locke’s beliefs on our human nature, the social contract, and the role of government within, are like night and day. Hobbes’ views on human nature are dark and untrusting. His views on human nature were based on the belief than humans are mere objects reacting to their base desires in an effort to satisfy them. This hints that we are nothing more than biological machines reacting to our most basic animal cravings. As such, when we act together as a society, we require someone to make critical decisions for us all in our daily lives governing our dealings with each other, and that requires a supreme leader or sovereign body. Hobbe’s views, of course, assume that the leader or sovereign body will always act to assure the personal liberty of the citizens. As we know from history, though, this is far from the case. Oddly, Hobbes did not consider religious enthusiasm or fanaticism to be an integral part of this philosophy. It requires a leader or sovereign body that is wise and has the interest of the citizenry in mind. In his views, we will always be free and independent to do whatever we want to satisfy our desires without regard to others,