1. Today’s Outline Human nature Human nature and government
What we will assume about human nature (which is what the Founders assumed)

2. The Problem of Government
How can societies enjoy the benefits of government without its dreadful costs?
In other words, how can governments impose the right amount of order and thereby preserve liberty?
This question applies to all nations.

3. Why think about human nature?
One’s assumption about human nature guides one’s design of government or any other social structure.
Madison in Federalist 51: “But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”
Madison in Federalist 51: “But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”
Human Nature

4. Why think about human nature?
One’s assumption about human nature guides one’s design of government or any other social structure.
A government designed for angels will differ from a government for “natural men” (and women).
One’s assumption about human nature also affects how one acts.
Madison in Federalist 51: “But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”
Human Nature

5. Driving Policies Conflicting interests
Motorists want to get to their destinations safely and as quickly as possible and, in so doing, may injure each other.
An implicit assumption about human nature
Individuals are self-interested and generally disregard the interests of other motorists.
Method of resolving conflicting interests
Driver licenses, traffic laws, devices (lights etc.), fines, and penalties.

6. Two Key Assumptions
Public Virtue: people act out of concern for other people’s well-being.
Self-interest: people act out of concern for their own (or their family’s) well-being.

7. Video: Bell, California
Some shocking self-interest.
Also illustrates responsibility of citizens to be informed.

8. Video: Arizona Shootings
Example of public virtue, including humility.

9. Video: Subway Hero
Another fascinating example of public virtue.

10. Views of Human Nature and Views of Government
While one’s view of human nature influences one’s view of what type of government is best, two people who make the same assumption about human nature may have different views on government.

11. Views of Human Nature and Views of Government
Suppose Mo and Curly both believe that self-interest drives human actions.
Mo, like Hobbes, may advocate autocracy.
Curly, like Jefferson, may advocate libertarianism.
Suppose that Huey and Dewey both believe that public virtue drives human actions.
Huey, like Plato, may advocate aristocracy.
Dewey, like Rousseau, may decry aristocracy and advocate liberalism.

12. Ultimatum Game
Person 1 divides 10 dollars into two piles—one for himself and one for Person 2.
Person 2 decides whether to accept the division.
If Person 2 accepts the division, they each get their pile.
If Person 2 rejects the division, all the money disappears. No one gets anything.
No bargaining.

13. An Inquiry into Human Nature
The Parable of Fred and Lance
Self-interest or Virtue?