Hobbes Concept of the State of Nature Analysis

Hobbes Concept of the State of Nature Analysis Explain and assess Hobbes claim that the state of nature would be a war in which every man is enemy to every man. Hobbes concept of the state of nature that he proposed in the Leviathan was defined merely as a condition of war, without the creation of a civil society he suggested that there would be a war where ‘every man is enemy to every man’. Hobbes assumption of human nature is based around the absence of a political society such as government; where no laws or rules are present. This condition creates a society filled with individuals living in constant fear and leads to perpetual war. In the first section of this essay I will explain the foundations that characterized Hobbes idea of the state of nature around and whether there is any escape from it. I will then go onto to evaluate whether this state of nature is only defined by savage behaviour and war and how other philosophers such as Locke and Rousseau researched the state of nature to come up with conclusions that contradict Hobbes original theory. Hobbes stated that an individual’s natural condition is seen ultimately as egoist, with no concerns of morality each are driven by a powerful desire to amass great power. This instinctual drive cannot be restrained due to the lack of an overarching authority in society. Thus each human is continuously seeking to destroy the other in pursuit of reputation and self-preservation. This ultimately leads to life being ‘nasty, brutish and short’ (Hobbes, 1982). Hobbes believed that morality could not exist in such a state and that judgments centred around good and evil cannot exist until they are dictated by a higher authority present in society. Individual’s naturally attempt to increase their power sources as a means of future protection, this combined with their need to acquire what they like leads to this continual competition between each other. However we need to question whether this competition in the state of nature would eventually lead to war? Another assumption Hobbes puts forward is that all men are equal by nature, meaning that each of them possess equal abilities to accumulate powers and to gain what their appetites desire. However he recognises that there are limited resources available which encourages competition leading to each becoming enemies and supporting his quote of every man is enemy to every man. You would think that by regarding equality Hobbes would consider that we should respect each other and act with compassion but Hobbes definition of equality relates to the idea that we all retain the same level of skill and strength therefore we all hold the same capacity to kill one and another. It is a condition in which ‘every man has right to everything; even to another’s body’ (Hobbes, 1982) This concept was supported by Doyle who identified that men were equal as they had similar passions and potentialities, they were mostly dominated by lusts and inner passions which were out of their con trol (Doyle 1927, pg. 353) He went further to state that the condition of life was one of never ending war as ‘justice and injustice have no place’. Hobbes main idea of self-preservation in the state of nature can be exemplified by Plato’s story of the Ring of Gyges. Those in possession of this ring acquire the power of invisibility. With this ring, the individual either decides to act morally or immorally (Plato, 2007) Individuals in the state of nature would use this ring to satisfy their own personal desire. Whilst in possession of this ring they would be able to obtain everything they want, it would be very beneficial in terms of survival. Hobbes suggestion is that if individuals were presented with the ring they would not hesitate using it as it would provide protection and self-preservation which is their main focus due their egoistic makeup, this supports his idea of the condition of mankind. There are therefore 3 key main elements which characterise the state of nature; glory competition, and diffidence. These are known as the causes of quarrel. We are primarily concerned with our own safety and Hill (2006 pg. 134) reinforced Hobbes idea that uncertainty about the character and behaviour of others in society leads to mistrust due to the lack of confidence in the motive of others which turns them against each other. This consequently leads to the establishment of a sovereign to enforce authority over society. Hobbes definition of the state of war is not characterized by violence but as an individual’s constant readiness to fight. This state becomes too harsh that human beings naturally seek peace due to reason, and the best way to this goal is to create the Leviathan through what is called the ‘social contract’ which is entails having an ultimate sovereign as a legitimate source of power. The state will function due an element of fear being present whi ch will ultimately protect and ensure that the contract is followed, people would have given up their rights and overall power to the government. As Alexandra (2001) stated that to escape from a state of nature it is necessary that the fundamental laws of nature are accepted as â€Å"public standards of behaviour† (pg.3), and according to Hobbes this can only be achieved if all people agree to limit their rights and to act to in accordance. Even though Hobbes viewed this nature as a battle and struggle between men for the ultimate goal of survival, there are arguments against this idea that the state of nature is characterized by a chaotic world of continual fear between individuals. Locke interpretation of the state of nature was one of perfect freedom were men inherently have a sense of morality which discourages them from engaging in acts of evil. We can thus resolve any conflicts. He depicted the idea of men not having any incentives to â€Å"destroy himself, or any creature in his possession†. It is reason that leads the way in preserving a peaceful life, and teaches us that harming one another is not a moral action (Locke, 2005) From Locke’s analysis on the state, we can see that it contradicts Hobbes views on human nature. One on hand the individual is represented as good with an innate moral instinct while the other is a self-driven creature, we need to regard whether it is possible to live an acce ptable life in the absence of government or sovereign rule? Thomas.J (2009) researched to conclude that men have always been under the influence of some degree of authority, and even when there has been no control exercised by the state it has been god that has inspired them to act in a kindly manner with generosity. Men have the natural habitual ability of living with other members of their society without becoming a â€Å"social animal†. He developed his ideas further and stated that even before the state emerged, fathers were seen as the dominant figure in households and ruled over their wife and children; families were seen as ‘a unit of social organisation’. Doyle backed up the idea presented by Thomas by stating that human beings were predestined to perform acts of evil through god, so we needed to question whether they could really be held responsible for their actions.(1927, Pg. 340). He however went onto support Hobbes claim that men were dominated by their natural instinct and were free to act as they wished, which meant they only had the power to evil. Nevertheless we also needed to consider that the action of good deeds by man is seen as automatic (1927 pg. 342) The main concept Hobbes failed to examine and take into consideration when coming up with his theory of the state of nature is that humans have a social inclinations which include affection, building relationships and friendship which leads us to being rational human beings. This social nature embed into humans is one that drives them to cooperate. Merriam (1906) examined Hobbes literature and notice how he failed to recognize the existence of social qualities in human nature. The fundamental laws of nature commands all men to be peaceable but to also be compliant with each other, even if they entered a state of war nature would command them to be socially minded and love one another which would minimalize any effects of war between man. This statement was contradicted by Haji (1991) who argued that individuals fail to realise the benefits that cooperation with others would bring in the long term and would rather just opt for the short term benefits of them choosing to not cooperate and act solely, this leads to a course of action where everyone in society decides to not cooperate than achieve any effects through cooperation which ultimately leads to a continual fight for self-preservation. It is clear that both researchers have examined the notion that cooperation is an important aspect of human beings day to day life, however there will always be different circumstances where individuals choose whether to cooperate or not. We can focus on the prisoner’s dilemma to look into this further, the prisoner’s dilemma is a game theory which gives the individual an overall outcome and a path of choice, and we can relate this to everyday life where certain choices give us greater benefits. We may desire to choose one that gives us greatest satisfaction or an equal option which benefits both parties. There are different people in society, some are more aggressive and self-motivated while others are inclined towards social relations. Nevertheless it is important to realise that social behaviour that involves cooperation can be adopted and learned in such a way that restrictions enforced by society are not necessary to control the behaviour of certain individuals. Human behaviour thus can be controlled by education (Kavka,1983). Kavka also goes onto say that Hobbes theory on the state of nature is narrow minded due to his interpretation of what establishes a civil society and of what constitutes the state of nature. Hobbes predominant view is that only an absolute sovereign can be an authoritative common power. Otherwise, he stated that in the absence of a common power, people are in a state of war which is not necessarily true. We can therefore conclude that Hobbes claim that the state of nature is one of war is not entirely true, and at no time has this state of nature existed, it was a hypothetical scenario formed by Hobbes based around the presumption of a state in anarchy. The state of nature was represented as a state of war upon the assumption that society is suffering due to a shortage of resources and competition over food supplies, however this is not the case in real life and there is ‘room for all man’. Thomas (2009) states that a state of war will only arise when individuals are severely hindered in preserving their lives. If we look at current political situation however there is anarchy present among the states. There is no overall world government which regulates power over all states. If we consider states separately we can justify what Hobbes stated about the state of nature. It is evident that there is current inter-state and intra state war still present today, and certain crimes which are committed which go unpunished. The fear of war is always existent and states go to extreme lengths to dominate others, as well as this there is still a certain degree of mistrust between people even when there is a common power, thus Hobbes idea of a state of nature being one of war is supported to some extent as there will always be some form of competition amongst people but it does not necessarily have to be as brutish and vulgar as Hobbes described. Bibliography Alexandra, A.(1992). ‘Should Hobbes state of nature be represented as a prisoner’s dilemma?’ .The Southern Journal of Philosophy. Vol 2. Melbourne: The University of Melbourne. Alexander, J. (2001). ‘Group Dynamics in the State of Nature’ Erkenntnis. 55(2): pp.169-182 Doyle, P. (1927). â€Å"The contemporary background of Hobbes ‘state of nature’†. Economica. Vol 21. pp 336-355. Haji, I. (1991). ‘Hampton on Hobbes on state of nature cooperation’. Philosophy and phenomenal research. 51(3): pp 589-601. Hobbes, T (1982). Leviathan (Penguin Classics) Hill, G. (2006). Rousseaus Theory of Human Association: Transparent and Opaque Communities. Kavka, G. (1983) ‘Hobbes War of All Against All’. Ethics. 93 (2):pp. 291-310 Locke, J. (2005). Two Treatises of Government. London. Merriam, C. (1906). ‘Hobbes Doctrine of the State of Nature’. Proceedings of the American Political Science Association. Vol 3. pp. 151-157 Plato. (2007). The Republic (Penguin Classic) Oxford University Press. Schochet, G. (1967). ‘Thomas Hobbes on the family and the state of nature’. Political science quarterly. 82(3): pp 427-445. Thomas, J. (1929) ‘Some Contemporary Critics of Thomas Hobbes’. Economica. Vol 26. pp.185-191

J.M. Coetzees In the Heart of the Country Essay -- Coetzee Heart Coun

J.M. Coetzee's In the Heart of the Country In the novel In the Heart of the Country, by J.M. Coetzee, the main protagonist Magda lived isolated from almost any human interaction. Due to this isolation from everything outside ‘the country’ in which she resided, combined with her inherent introvertedness and father’s callousness, her view of life was slanted according to the rare exchanges she did muster. As she was prone to bouts of incoherent thoughts and depression, any positive conversation between her and her father, Hendrik, or Klein-Anna served to maintain her sanity. An impolite few words intensified her feelings of seclusion. Likewise a neutral chat ignited optimistic plans for her life, and a favorable stance on ‘the country’. Therefore, Magda based her fluctuating attitude toward ‘the country’ (her life) on the quality of the communications with the three people she knew: her father, Hendrik, and Klein-Anna. The way in which her father regarded her had the greatest influence on her ensuing moods. For example, after trying to help him up onto the bed, begging him to respond and acknowledge her presence, he says only, â€Å"‘Water’†(67). Taking this as a declaration of her worthlessness, she became convinced that she â€Å"[was] an idea [her] father had many years ago and then, bored with it, forgot†(69) about. Locked in self-pity after his reply, she continued questioning the point of her being, feeling insignificant and wanting to â€Å"annihilate [herself]†(71). In fact, that he does not seem to notice her is also a contributing part of her disposition: after taking to bed with a migraine she comments, â€Å"I was not missed. My father pays no attention to my absence† (2). Her resentment of him grew to be so automatic that it envel... ...istress into fits of despair. Magda’s perception of ‘the country’, which was the only home and consistent companion ever known to her, varied depending upon the interactions with the only humanity she came into contact with: her father, the servant Hendrik, and his wife Klein-Anna. Each relationship affected her perception differently, and her moods were constantly volatile. Through this learned dependency on the minimal human contact she experienced, Coetzee suggests that validating one’s life based upon the actions of others is a risky and foolish lifestyle. Magda’s incessant, acidic thoughts ate at her soul until she valued herself at nothing, not unless someone was paying her attention. In the Heart serves as a warning against diminishing one’s own worth for petty and often fleeting, emotions, and lackluster validation from those with ulterior motivations.

Financial Outcomes Paper

Struck Japan it already did not own for $914 million† (Derrick, 2014, Para 2). Struck acceptance of this offer can result in three potential financial outcomes; increased revenue from sales, changes in cost of goods sold, and changes in expenses. Based on Stardust's historical annual growth trends in the China/Asia markets, the most likely financial outcome of Stardust's transition to full ownership sis 15% increase in revenues. This may or may not be accompanied by with the most likely scenario of a 5% decrease in their cost of goods sold, and a 5% decrease in their expenses. Scenario AnalysisScenario analysis is about understanding what can happen when things change within a firm. Analysis will assist Struck in understanding how their buy out of their Struck Japan partnership can affect their business overall, and assist them with understanding the financial risks involved in their venture. Standard deviation of past results can assist to construct an idea of what will happen in the future, however when taking on a brand new venture unforeseen obstacles may appear. Analyzing Struck' revenue from years 201 1 through 2014, it is discovered that the standard deviation is . 45, and that the deviation in their growth percentages over the same time frame is 1. 907. These are good signs that Struck is doing well as they continue to develop new products and expand across the globe, as the standard deviation figures reflect an increase in revenue growth. Typically, scenario analysis is based on three ratings, worst-case scenario, most likely, and best-case scenario. Although it is important to understand and define other possible scenarios, improbable events should not be used because they would not result in an accurate analysis.By using extreme scenarios, such as the worst and best-case scenarios, which show the most negative and most positive, respective results, companies such as Struck can test their theories and mitigate any potential risks that they may e ncounter. Revenue Revenue analysis will help Struck understand one of the key variables that affects their business performance. Comparing current sales to previous periods provides Struck of a quick understanding of how their business is trending.Struck has seen continued growth year over year since 2011, and this positive trend provides them with insight into how well their traceries are performing. New strategies, such as growth into Japan, can be made with confidence when the business is trending positively, and previous expansions have been well received. One of the fastest growing investments for Struck is China/Asia Pacific. â€Å"Struck expects to see 16 percent to 18 percent revenue growth during fiscal 2015. Excluding the Japan impact, revenue growth is expected to be consistent with the company's previous target of 10 percent plus revenue growth† (Derrick, 2014, Para 5).The financial effect of increases or decreases in revenue from sales is substantial, specially c onsidering the high volume of transactions Struck completes internationally on a daily basis. The most likely scenario for sales growth with Struck Japan buy out is 15%. The figure is based on the growth rate of Struck since 201 1, which averages at 14%. A 15% increase in sales, With cost of goods sold and expenses constant, will result in over 1. 5 billion dollars in income for 201 5, an increase of over 30% from the previous year.The best-case scenario would result in a 20% increase in sales, and nearly 60% increase in income. In the worst-case event that Struck sales drop 5%, the many would still realize a profit. Although a decrease in revenue is unlikely considering Struck continued growth, it is a possibility as political and socio-economic changes occur around the globe. Cost of goods sold The cost of goods sold is associated with the cost of any raw materials used to produce and market Struck coffee, but does not include any indirect expenses.The cost of goods sold is an imp ortant part of a businessWith full control over Struck Japan, Struck may be able to implement a number of initiatives that would work towards reducing their cost of goods sold, such as better quality control, more effective product assortment, and reduced waste. A 5% crease in will result in a nearly 1. 2 billion decrease in cost of goods sold, which will positively affect the company's gross income. A decrease in cost of goods sold may also be a challenge, depending on how Scabby has conducted their half of the business in the past.The China and Asia Pacific region of the world operates much differently than its Western counterparts, and Struck may face ethical business challenges, as it is unknown as to how Scabby partnered with suppliers and other vendors. Struck may see costs rise if they are unable to store, ship, and promote their product as effectively s they had when in partnership. Expenses Expenses normally react to relative changes in sales, however with Struck vast distr ibution channels and vendor relationships, they may be able to lower their expenses even as they expand to new regions such as Japan.Variable expenses, such as fees such as transportation, and credit card commission fees will increase as new stores pop up and consumer purchasing increases. Fixed expenses, such as employee salaries, benefits, property and income taxes, and utility costs will also increase as Struck expands, however, since they are buying out existing locations and not looking to build new ones, these expenses may not vary greatly from the previous year. Expenses such as income tax may play a significant role in Struck income as they gain more stores in Japan and the China/Asia Pacific region.Analysis has suggested that changes could be in the range of 15%, considering increases and decreases in expenses, with a Worst-case scenario of expenses increasing by 5%, to the most optimistic scenario of a 10% decrease. Expenses will primarily come in the form of costs to impr ove UAPITA, taxes, and payroll. A consideration that is not taken into account for the most likely and optimistic scenarios is that customary increase in revenue that normally accompanies and increase in expenses.Expenses such as payroll and capital improvements can be associated with company expansion and the need for more employees, assuming that expansion is a result of consumer wants and needs, which will then increase revenue. Conclusion Struck over the years have proved themselves to be an organization that thrives year after year. Just in the last decade their revenue has increased by almost 150% (Mornings, 2015). Their passion to bring a connection to everyone they see and do business with has made them into the largest roaster and retailer of specialty coffee the world has ever known. Struck, which opened its first store outside of North America in Toss's Gina district nearly 20 years ago, said it expects the deal to immediately add to its results, excluding certain items. The transactions are expected to be fully completed in the first half of calendar 2015†³ (Beckmann, 2014, par a. 6). Its expanded investment with China/ Pacific-Asia and the acquisition of Struck Japan will also prove to be a success because not only do they want to expand their business, but more importantly they want to do it the right way to fulfill their mission in helping the world become a little better one neighborhood at a time.

The Value of Genesis - 1127 Words

Many teens today have a habit of questioning books that are too ‘old’ or ‘stuffy’ to apply to their lives. Some of them may find connections to works by William Shakespeare or Jane Austen, but what about the other books, such as those from the Bible? These are usually regarded as too religious to have any relations to life, but that is not necessarily true. Take, for example, Genesis. Although it is thousands of years old, the stories, themes, and modern-day allusions contained within it can still apply to everyday life- even to those teenagers who feel disconnected from this book. To begin with, many stories in Genesis relate closely to books that exist today. In fact, some of them are actually based completely on the stories of Genesis†¦show more content†¦In addition, the White Witch can be considered the ‘devil,’ as she tries to tempt the Pevensie children several times throughout the series (also a reference to the temptation of Ad am and Eve). Humans are also referred to as â€Å"Son[s] of Adam† (Lewis, 39) and â€Å"Daughter[s] of Eve† (Lewis, 15), another reference to Genesis. In addition, many poems allude to Adam and Eve, like Robert Frost’s Never Again Would the Bird’s Song Be The Same, which mentions Eve in the line, â€Å"From having heard the daylong voice of Eve† (Frost, line 3). Anthony Hecht’s Naming the Animals is actually just about Adam naming all of the animals that God gave him domain over. Beyond just Adam and Eve, Jacob Russell’s poem How Jacob Loved centers around Jacob, Leah, and Rachel. Even if you aren’t the literary type, there are many allusions that musicians have made to Genesis (many of these using Genesis as a reference to the origins of life and creation). For example, there are actually two different bands and one musician named Genesis. One of the groups is an English rock band formed in 1967, while the other is a Columbian folk-rock band popular during the 1970s. The English musician Neil Andrew Megson’s stage name is Genesis P-Orridge, yet another reference. In addition to the bands, many albums have been titled Genesis. American jazz drummer ElvinShow MoreRelatedThe Value of Genesis1059 Words   |  5 Pagesworks. Take, for example, the book of Genesis. Although written and published thousands of years ago, the stories, themes, and modern-day allusions contained within it can still apply to everyday life- even to those who feel as if they are detached from it. To begin with, many of the stories chronicled in Genesis relate closely to books that exist today. In fact, some are more accurately described as creative recounts of certain events in Genesis and Genesis itself. 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