Video: Introduction to Philosophy Online Class Session — Political Philosophy and the State of Nature: Locke and Hobbes
The following is a video recording of my recent Introduction to Philosophy online class session on the Political Philosophy and the State of Nature (John Locke and Thomas Hobbes). See below for a list of topics covered in this online class session.
Date
April 14, 2020
Instructor
Zachary Fruhling, College of Eastern Idaho
Topics Covered:
Attendance Question:
Are rights innate, or are they merely social constructions for the sake of mutual wellbeing?
The role of the State of Nature in political philosophy of the Modern period
Two viewpoints:
Modern
Postmodern
John Locke:
Rights are innate, even in the State of Nature.
Basic rights for Locke:
Life
Liberty
Estate (property through labor)
Agrarian/pastoral view of the State of Nature (hunting, gathering, agriculture, etc.)
Thomas Hobbes:
The State of Nature is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
War of all against all
Fear is the primary motivator.
Rights exist only within civilized societies.
We voluntarily give up our liberties for the sake of security.
The safest society is one with an all-powerful sovereign.
The postmodern interpretation:
Narratives and Metanarratives
Discussion Questions:
Is the purpose of government to secure and preserve our basic rights, or is its purpose to provide security and safety?
How much freedom should we be willing to give up for the purpose of security?
Historical events (e.g., September 11th)
Current events (e.g., the Coronavirus pandemic)
What to do about conflicting rights?
Individualism vs. collectivism
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