Hobbes vs. Locke: Contrasting Views on the State of Nature

Hobbes: The State of Nature

The state of nature, according to Hobbes, is the condition of humanity before the establishment of society. In this state, individuals exist in complete freedom and equality, unbound by laws or authority. Consequently, everyone possesses a right to everything, which effectively equates to possessing nothing, as there is no mechanism to enforce or protect individual rights. Driven by selfishness and a lack of restraint, individuals become a threat to one another ("homo homini lupus"), transforming the state of nature into a perpetual state of war and widespread insecurity. This condition impedes progress in all areas, including agriculture, industry, knowledge, and culture.

However, the instinct for self-preservation, coupled with a desire for security and peace, motivates individuals to seek a means of escaping this perilous existence. While Hobbes's concept of the origin of the state is remarkably modern, his pessimistic view of human nature leads him to advocate for an absolutist state, one capable of maintaining order and security through unwavering authority.

Locke: State of Nature

Locke's conception of the state of nature diverges significantly from Hobbes's. Locke posits that in this state, individuals not only enjoy freedom and equality but also possess inherent natural rights simply by virtue of being human, irrespective of societal structures. These rights, however, are not always respected, particularly in the absence of a governing force with the power to enforce them.

The most significant distinction between Hobbes's and Locke's political philosophies lies in the application of social contract theory. In Hobbes's case, it serves to legitimize political absolutism, whereas in Locke's, it provides a foundation for liberalism and a direct challenge to royal authoritarianism. Locke argues that the division of powers is crucial to preventing royal absolutism. Power should not be concentrated in a single entity, as this inevitably leads to corruption and tyranny. Locke identifies three essential branches of government:

• Legislative: Parliament, responsible for creating laws.
• Executive: The monarch, responsible for enforcing laws and punishing non-compliance.
• Federal: Responsible for foreign affairs, including treaties and alliances.