The State of Nature and Socratic Morality

Discussion 5 – Hobbes “Leviathan” 40 40 unread replies. 40 40 replies. The State of Nature and Socratic Morality In the selection from “Leviathan”, Hobbes gives an argument for a social contract, stating that all people arise from living in “a state of nature”. In this state of nature resources are scarce and violence is imminent. As such, people are obliged to give political power to a Sovereign. The Sovereign will in turn provide and ensure that such basic needs as food, safety, security, resources, etc., are available to the people living under their rule. This ‘Hobbesian’ view is a grim picture of both the state of the world, and of human nature generally. This view also indicates very clearly why it is necessary for human survival that we band together and work in groups; i.e., why in fact political relationships exist at all. Consider first how the position of Socrates and the idea that a social contract could be sustained by, and promote moral virtue (Additionally, you will want to recall the recommended readings that were posted over the past few weeks.) The reading of Crito, which Donald C. Able provides in your textbook, interprets the work as calling for a ‘tacit social contract’. Then consider that Hobbesian position, where a social contract develops out of coercion and necessity, and is not tacit so much as it is explicit. Provide an exposition of the selection from Leviathan, then briefly reiterate the position Socrates advocates in Crito. Compared to the Hobbesian view, does Socrates have expectations of human nature that set the bar for interaction too high? Explain you position. Required Reading 5: Hobbes “Leviathan” (Selection) Recommended Reading: Hobbes’s Moral and Political Philosophy – Sections 2, 3, 4, & 7 < http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hobbes-moral/#PhiPro (Links to an external site.) > Remember: A reasoned response consists of more than one words responses or simple agreement with the author of the article or post you are responding to. Please cite all passages in the text (including page number) and cite all outside information according to MLA guidelines. Your answer should have AT LEAST 3 responses (possibly more), aside from your original post