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Submitted by shadowx99 on 04/12/2009 05:13 PM Flag This Paper
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The differences between Hobbes and Locke's positions on revolutionary circumstances varies directly according to their idea of why we have social contracts, and what the state of nature without social contracts would be. Hobbes argues that without a social contract, we would be in a state of chaos, fear, and war; circumstances that are not very favorable to survival by the greatest number of individuals. The basis for this belief is that each will do what is best for them. Locke on the other hand, asserts that the state of nature, despite each acting in self-interest, is relatively peaceful based on the fact that men don't want to risk their lives all the time by fighting constantly. Basically, Locke contends that naturally, man would work to maintain at least a coexistence of some sorts. Although not as favorable to mass survival as government, man would still be somewhat protected, and simply makes his social contract to improve things--not to save them. Hobbes's theory seems to put much more at stake. Continual war is inevitable if there is no government. Thus protection of that government is essential; his rational being that, until we are in a state of war with the government, the government still has something to offer us. Locke on the contrary finds the chances involved in revolution, worth taking, if the rights and property of the majority are not being protected. Based on their views of the state of nature and reasons for social contract, it is understandable why Hobbes is more conservative and Locke is much more active when it comes to beginning a revolution.