What is the nature of human beings according to Thomas Hobbes?
Human beings are naturally selfish
This perspective is foundational to Hobbes’s views on the state of nature.
What does Hobbes define as the state of nature?
A state of war where humans inflict violence on each other to fulfill their desires
What rational fear leads humans to form a social contract according to Hobbes?
Fear of violence that would ensue without civil society
What do humans give up in the social contract to protect sovereign power?
Some of their rights
What is the main function of the absolute sovereign in Hobbes’s theory?
To protect and solve conflict among citizens
What was Hobbes’s aim in creating his social contract?
To solve conflict and enable peaceful coexistence in a diverse society
Who is considered the first liberal/contract thinker?
Thomas Hobbes
How was John Locke influenced by Hobbes?
He sought to figure out how diverse people can live together
What is John Locke known as in the context of political philosophy?
The Father of modern liberalisation
What are the titles of John Locke’s main works?
- Two Treatises of Government
- A Letter Concerning Toleration
What did Locke believe was required in the state of nature?
Authority to protect individuals and property
What are the natural rights that Locke believes humans should have?
Life, liberty, and property
What is a significant influence on Locke’s beliefs about government?
Christianity
What rights does Locke believe should be off limits to sovereign authority?
Certain natural rights
What is the relationship between a person and God according to Locke?
Strictly personal and outside the bounds of state control
When was Karl Marx born?
1818
What is Karl Marx known as?
The founding thinker of communism
What are the titles of Marx’s main works?
- The Communist Manifesto
- Das Kapital
What class divide did Marx identify?
Bourgeoisie (owners) vs proletariat (workers)
What did Marx believe about the control of the means of production?
Who controls the means of production controls society
What is the concept of socialism/communism according to Marx?
State/collective ownership of means of production and distribution of goods
What does Marx say about the alienation of labor?
Work should be fulfilling; factory work disconnects people from what they produce
What does Marx argue happens to workers in factories?
They feel disconnected and become someone else’s subject
What does Marx identify as the primary factor in one’s opportunities in life?
Social class
