Hobbes Reading and  Class Discussion Questions

1. How would you describe a state of nature or the natural condition of man according to Hobbes?   Why are men equal in this natural condition?

2.  Do you believe that without a powerful government life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short" ?(Hobbes  in Solomon and Martin, 185)

3.  What objections does Hobbes raise about the existence of the state of nature and reply to? 

4..  What is the right of nature?

5. What are the first and second laws of nature? Note that the phrase "by all means we can, to defend ourselves" is a summary of the right of nature and NOT the second law of nature.

6.. Why would anyone transfer his right to attack others?

7. What is the social contract?

8. What is the Great Leviathan?

9. Do you believe Hobbes’ ideas about the state of nature, the origin of the Leviathan, etc. are relevant today?  Give an example to support your view.

10.  Define psychological egoism.  What are the strongest arguments in support of this view?  Against this view?

11.  Define ethical egoism. What are the strongest arguments in support of this view?  Against this view?