Brutish

Definition

The term 'brutish' refers to a state of being that is characterized by a lack of reason, civility, and humanity, often likening individuals to animals. In the context of Hobbes's view of the state of nature, it describes humans as inherently self-interested and aggressive without the structure of society or government. This concept underscores the belief that in the absence of societal rules, individuals would act solely on their primal instincts, leading to chaos and conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hobbes believed that without social order, human life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.'
2. The concept of brutishness is linked to Hobbes's idea that humans are motivated by fear of death and desire for self-preservation.
3. In Hobbes's view, people in the state of nature would be in constant conflict due to their selfishness and competition for resources.
4. The brutish nature of humanity justifies the need for an absolute sovereign to maintain peace and security within society.
5. Hobbes argued that societal constructs and laws arise from the need to control the inherent brutish instincts of individuals.

Review Questions

• How does Hobbes's view of brutish behavior inform his ideas about the need for a strong government?
  • Hobbes's notion of brutish behavior highlights his belief that without a strong governing body, individuals will succumb to their natural instincts, resulting in chaos and violence. This perspective leads him to advocate for an absolute sovereign authority, which he sees as essential for maintaining order and preventing the inherent conflicts driven by self-interest. Thus, the need for a powerful government is directly tied to his understanding of human nature as fundamentally brutish.
• In what ways does Hobbes's concept of brutishness challenge optimistic views of human nature?
  • Hobbes's concept of brutishness challenges more optimistic views by presenting humanity as inherently selfish and prone to conflict without societal constraints. While some philosophies posit that humans are naturally cooperative and good, Hobbes argues that our instincts lead us toward brutality when left unchecked. This stark contrast prompts deeper discussions about human morality and the role of government in shaping behavior.
• Evaluate how Hobbes's definition of brutishness impacts contemporary discussions about human nature and governance.
  • Hobbes's definition of brutishness continues to influence contemporary discussions around human nature, particularly in debates about governance and social order. By framing humans as inherently self-interested and prone to violence, modern thinkers may argue for stronger governmental controls to ensure societal stability. This perspective can lead to critical assessments of policies aimed at managing conflict and promoting cooperation, with implications for how societies structure their laws and norms to mitigate the brutish tendencies he described.

Related terms

State of Nature: A philosophical concept describing the condition of humanity before the establishment of structured society or government, where individuals act solely based on self-interest.

Social Contract: An agreement among individuals to form a society and accept certain rules in exchange for protection and order, aimed at overcoming the brutish tendencies observed in the state of nature.

Leviathan: A work by Thomas Hobbes that outlines his views on human nature and the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent chaos stemming from brutish behavior.