Locke vs. Hobbes
State of Nature

Before the rule of law is put into
place
– If there are no laws, no civilization, no
government, and no power to restrain
human conflict then that would be the
State of Nature: a 'natural condition' of
mankind
Locke: Life in a natural state


Joyful and rational
behavior
Sense of security
Locke continued


Independence,
Free Will
Equality between
individuals
Hobbes: Life in a natural state


Constant war and
chaos
Life would be
solitary, poor,
nasty, brutish and
short
Hobbes cont’d



Continual fear and
danger
Everyman is
enemy of every
man
Constant Conflict
Traits and Structure of Power

In other words,
what life should be
like, with
government.
Locke and Government



Protection of
Property
Settle disputes
Standard of right
and wrong
Locke cont’d



An indifferent
judge
Power to enforce
and punish
Power divided
Hobbes and Government



Removes man from
constant war
Provides security
Standard of right
and wrong
Hobbes cont’d


A man or assembly
of men to rule
Centralized power
(monarchy)