Man is made to compete and strive for what is best for the individual. Competition leads to hard work, not envy, which can often be confused. Using others success to motivate and drive leads to positive outcomes. A civilisation with no competition makes no advances. Individuals must make decision to place themselves in a better position and move up in the world. Men tend to pursue "...competition,... diffidence and,... glory"(The Levinthan) as their driving factors. These three descriptions summarize how males operate and and their decision making process. Regardless of the decision made, someone is likely left unhappy with an individuals choice. Individuals must act in the best interest of themselves to some degree while ensuring not to harm those that they are around. A society with competition is progressive and new boundaries are broken. A society in which individuals work towards goals makes for improvements and an overall better atmosphere. Limitations set can affect this and hinder a groups advancements.
Laws are made to protect and better a society but often only benefit some. Sometimes it is necessary to break the rules or laws in order to obtain something that you would not otherwise. A governing body is allowed to create laws that must be followed solely because this body is in charge. Men must be able to make decisions and actions as they are beneficial for them. Judgement is left after society sets laws upon them. Individuals must make decisions based on moral codes and that is in the best interest of them. Although consequences are common from not following laws, the responsibility still rests on the individual. At times, it is necessary to oppose a law and stand against it, regardless of the consequences. Men must understand that change can occur and is often for the best.
"The Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes." The Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2013.
"Online Library of Liberty." Online Library of Liberty. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2013.
This is an interesting series of observations. Are you primarily stating your own views, or are you summarizing Hobbes. I notice a variety of different directions in which your argument goes at different times. You start talking about how Hobbes accurately describes male behavior--do your remarks primarily refer to literal men? In the 17th century the term "men" was used frequently the way we would use the term "human." But I think you might be right that there is something uniquely male about Hobbes's theories.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your overall point about human behavior here, though? Are you arguing against Hobbes? It seems like you are to some degree when you note that governing bodies are arbitrary and there needs to be a right to go against them. Here, Hutcheson would agree, and indeed he was one of the philosophers most important for the American Revolution. Looking deeper into how and why the good natured Hutcheson would support something as controversial as a revolution, while the skeptical Hobbes would oppose them in all cases, would make for an interesting paper. Consider developing this idea.