Hobbes A Social Covenant Theorist Essays - Libertarian Theory

Hobbes A Social Covenant Theorist Hobbes -- a Social Covenant Theorist Throughout the assigned portions of the Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes proves to be a social contract theorist, however inconsistently. Through his explanation of humanity extracting itself out of the state of Nature, by developing rules pertaining to property and contract, by means of the creation of a Sovereign, or Common Wealth, he clearly elucidates the basic concepts of social contract theory. In order to fully grasp Hobbes theory of Social Contract, one must first become familiar with his basic premises of The State of Nature. In this state each individual is inherently in a perpetual state of war, due to several given reasons. Hobbes assumes that Nature hath made menequall. (Hobbes 183) Also, that in this state of war all men exemplify purely egoistic behavior, striving to do whatever possible to maximize their own utility, even if it requires murdering another. In addition to these conditions, in the state of nature, there exists a state of natural scarcity, in which, a finite amount of goods, possessions, property, cattell, wives, whatever, exist to satisfy mans infinite wants. And therefore if any two men desire the same thingthey become enemies andendeavour to destroy or subdue one an other. (Hobbes 184) Hence, creating a constant state of war. At no time, in this natural state, is injustice even possible. As Hobbes so concisely states, Where there is no common Power, there is no Law: where no Law, no Injustice. (Hobbes 188) Essentially, since every man is entitled to everything, he is also at liberty to exert any means possible -- including violence -- in order to satisfy all of his wants and needs. In this State of War, each individual is at the mercy of any of the whims of any invader, neighbor, child, or any other entity lest they fail to protect themselves. Expressed by Hobbes, And therefore, as long as this naturall Right of everyman to every thing endureth there can be no security to any man, of living out the time, which Nature ordinarily alloweth men to live. (Hobbes 190) In addition to this most inconvenient physical state of nature, Hobbes elaborates upon the mutuall transferring of right. (Hobbes 192) It is necessary for men to enter into contracts, a mutual agreement made by individuals in order to exchange the right to the thing. (Hobbes 193) Things can range from deciding on peace between two quarreling parties, with demands and peaceful sacrifices from both ends, to an agreement between two merchants for goods and services. At times it is necessary for one of the Contractors to, deliver the Thing contracted for on his part, and leave the other to perform his part at some determinate time after. (Hobbes 193) Thusly, forming this covenant, which promises that a good or service of some sort will be awarded to one of the contractors at a future time. However, in the state of nature, there exists absolutely no assurance that ones contracts or covenants will be upheld. Hobbes argues that it is in everymans best interest to not fulfill his end of the bargain, as it were. Therefore, due to his feare of not performance on either part, men are driven, by their own suspicions to create a coercive power, or sovereign, to regulate their contractual agreements and covenants. Just as outlined in Social Contract theory, those in the state of nature, found it in their best interests to enter into a social contract, thereby abandoning some of their freedoms, in order to have the reigning entity of a Sovereign, or Commonwealth. This contract must be entered into by all men, with all men, who should perhaps say to each other, as Hobbes suggests, I authorise and give up my Right of Governing my selfe, to this Man, or to this Assembly of men, on this condition, that thou give up thy Right to him, and Authorise all his Actions in like manner. (Hobbes, 227) This governing unit was a single individual or group of individuals, established to preside over all contracts, or covenants made. In this capacity, Hobbes, is said to be a Social Contract theorist, in that men must enter into this agreement, to

The role genetics plays determining someone essays

The role genetics plays determining someone essays What role does genetics play in the determination of someone's height? This can be answered with one simple answer. A person's height is factored mainly by genetics, but also that individual's environment. For instance, when my mother wanted to have a baby she stopped smoking, drinking soda and coffee, and everything else that mothers give up; however, she had a miscarriage. After that devastating time, her doctor told her not to change her every day life, and nine months later she gave birth to a healthy baby girl. My reason for telling this story is simple. I wanted to research this to find out if that possibly helped my genetic information in the determination of my height. Everyone thinks that just because his or her mother or father is tall they too will be tall. Saying a trait has a high chance of being inherited has never implied that its fated to be. Scientists from Oregon State University said that height is multi-factoral, meaning that not just many genes work together in determining final height, but the environment interacts with it as well. They also stated that the interactions with a persons environment might include gestation; the time while a mother is pregnant, during growing years, and also if he or she is exposed to cigarette smoke and/or alcohol before birth. A persons health and even birth order (in most cases, second children are taller than first born) are factors in his or her height. Dr. Trudy Wassenaar said that since there are so many different things that determine this genetic-based trait, it makes it very complex. But since height is controlled by more than one gene, if one gene doesnt work then you might not tall or short like you were programmed to be. Scientist from Oregon State University said that generally speaking, children inherit most of their physical features from their parents. Also, this means that the most likely reason for a person to be tall or short would ...