Philosophers: Good or Bad? Notes 1-2

Are people born good or bad? Warm Up Are people born good or bad?

Philosophers: Good or Bad? Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) World is full of violence and death cooperation is basically impossible Man is destined to do “bad” People should accept a Powerful and Strict Gov’t Hobbes looks at idea of How can humans live together in peace? Humanity constantly at war w/o a strong GOVT/soverign, people motivated by self interest “It is not wisdom, but power and authority that makes law”

Philosophers: Good or Bad? John Locke (1632-1704) Humans are Neutral – “born with a blank slate” Life experiences shape you Gov’t has limited power over its citizens and Gov’t can be overthrown “Laws of nature and reason teach all mankind…no one ought to harm another in his life, liberty, or property…" People have obligations to one another (EX: natural rights: life, liberty, property)

Philosophers: Good or Bad? Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) World has inequality, selfishness, and conflict Man will usually do “good” Society needs less Gov’t and rules “…Although man had enough logic to see the advantages of politics, man did not have enough experience to foresee its dangers.” Rosseau’s work banned by French govt R wants people to be virtuous, avoid vanity and the superficial Where does inequality among men come from? – By nature, humans are essentially peaceful, content, and equal. It is the socialization process that has produced inequality, competition, and the egoistic mentality.