3.3 Hobbes's Theory of Human Nature

Hobbes's theory of human nature paints a bleak picture of self-interest and fear. He argues we're driven by passions, appetites, and a deep-seated fear of violent death, with reason taking a backseat to our primal motivations.

This view of human nature shapes Hobbes's political philosophy in The Leviathan. It lays the groundwork for his argument that we need a strong sovereign to keep our selfish impulses in check and prevent a chaotic "war of all against all."

Human Motivation

Self-Interest and Psychological Egoism

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• Psychological egoism forms the foundation of Hobbes's theory of human nature
• Posits humans act primarily out of self-interest to fulfill their own desires and needs
• Self-interest drives all human actions, even seemingly altruistic behaviors
• Individuals pursue their own advantage in social interactions and decision-making
• Self-preservation emerges as the strongest motivator in Hobbes's framework

Passions and Appetites as Driving Forces

• Passions and appetites play a crucial role in shaping human behavior
• Hobbes identifies various passions (love, hate, fear, hope) influencing human actions
• Appetites represent desires for specific objects or experiences (food, comfort, pleasure)
• Constant pursuit of satisfying passions and appetites leads to competition among individuals
• Hobbes argues passions often overpower reason in guiding human conduct

Fear of Violent Death as Ultimate Motivator

• Fear of violent death stands out as the most powerful human motivation
• Serves as the primary reason individuals seek protection and security
• Drives humans to form social contracts and establish governing structures
• Influences decision-making processes and behavioral choices in society
• Hobbes views this fear as a unifying factor in human nature across cultures and time periods

Rationality and Behavior

Reason as Calculation and Decision-Making Tool

• Hobbes conceptualizes reason as a form of calculation or computation
• Involves weighing pros and cons to determine the most advantageous course of action
• Reason helps individuals navigate complex social situations and make strategic choices
• Serves as a means to achieve desired ends rather than an end in itself
• Hobbes argues reason often takes a backseat to passions in guiding human behavior

Materialism and Mechanistic Worldview

• Hobbes adopts a materialist philosophy, rejecting supernatural or spiritual explanations
• Views the universe, including human beings, as composed entirely of matter in motion
• Applies mechanistic principles to understand human behavior and social interactions
• Compares human body and mind to complex machines operating according to natural laws
• Emphasizes cause-and-effect relationships in explaining human actions and motivations

Determinism and Predictability of Human Conduct

• Hobbes's theory implies a deterministic view of human behavior
• Argues human actions result from prior causes and follow predictable patterns
• Challenges notions of free will and moral responsibility in traditional ethics
• Suggests human conduct can be understood and potentially controlled through scientific analysis
• Influences Hobbes's political philosophy and his conception of social order and governance