Appetites

Definition

In the context of human nature, appetites refer to the innate desires and urges that drive individuals to seek fulfillment and satisfaction, such as hunger, thirst, and sexual urges. These appetites are central to Hobbes's understanding of human behavior, as they motivate actions and decisions in a way that reflects basic instincts and needs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hobbes believed that all human actions are motivated by appetites and aversions, leading people to pursue what they desire and avoid what they dislike.
2. Appetites in Hobbes's view are fundamentally linked to self-preservation, as individuals seek to satisfy their basic needs in order to survive and thrive.
3. The competition for fulfilling appetites can lead to conflict among individuals, which is a key concern in Hobbes's social contract theory.
4. Hobbes asserted that in a state of nature, where there is no governing authority, the struggle to fulfill appetites could lead to chaos and violence.
5. To address the challenges posed by competing appetites, Hobbes proposed the establishment of a social contract where individuals would give up certain freedoms for collective security.

Review Questions

• How do appetites influence human behavior according to Hobbes's theory of human nature?
  • According to Hobbes, appetites are fundamental drivers of human behavior, as they represent innate desires that compel individuals to act. These basic urges, such as hunger or the desire for safety, guide people in making decisions aimed at fulfilling their needs. The pursuit of these appetites can result in competition and conflict when multiple individuals seek the same resources or satisfactions.
• Discuss the implications of appetites on societal structures as proposed by Hobbes.
  • Hobbes believed that the presence of competing appetites among individuals could lead to disorder and conflict in society. This understanding underscores the necessity of a strong central authority or social contract that regulates these desires to ensure peace and security. By establishing governance, individuals agree to limit their freedom to pursue certain appetites unrestrainedly in exchange for protection and stability.
• Evaluate how the concept of appetites relates to Hobbes's views on the state of nature and the establishment of a social contract.
  • In evaluating Hobbes's views, it becomes clear that he saw the state of nature as a condition driven by unregulated appetites where every individual is free to pursue their desires without limits. This freedom leads to a 'war of all against all,' making life solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. The establishment of a social contract is thus necessary; it compels individuals to relinquish some appetite-driven freedoms in exchange for collective security and order, ultimately forming a civil society.

Related terms

Desires: Desires are specific longings or wishes that stem from appetites, guiding individuals towards particular goals or objects of satisfaction.

Passions: Passions are intense emotions or feelings that can influence behavior and decision-making, often arising from the fulfillment or frustration of appetites.

Self-Preservation: Self-preservation is the instinctive drive to maintain one's own life and well-being, which is often influenced by various appetites that dictate actions necessary for survival.