human nature

Question 1

What did Hobbs say about human nature?

Answer 1

very sceptical of human nature- human beings left alone to their own devices will commit atrocities on eachother

Question 2

What does Burke say about human nature?

Answer 2

human imperfection- talents are not shared equally- lower classes are incapable of leadership

Question 3

What did Oakeshott say about human nature?

Answer 3

Humans are “Fallible but not terrible”, “Imperfect but not immoral”- therefore are not capable of creating a perfect society

Question 4

What does Rand say about human nature?

Answer 4

“Objectivism”- Human beings are completely driven and motivated by self-interest

Question 5

What does Nozick say about the state?

Answer 5

A positive view of human nature- individuals strive to fulfil their potential
they are egotistical and driven by a quest for “Self-ownership”

Question 6

What does Hobbs say about humans being needy and vulnerable?

Answer 6

Humans are needy and vulnerable. People will compete violently to get the basic necessities of life and other material gains, will challenge others and fight out of fear to ensure their personal safety.

Question 7

What does Burke say about his scepticism on human nature?

Answer 7

he is sceptical: “The crooked timber of humanity” is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement. We may conceive of perfection but we are unable to achieve it.

Question 8

What does Hobbes say about dreaming and absurdity?

Answer 8

“I often observe the absurdity of dreams, but never dream of the absurdity of my waking thoughts”
humans lack rationality, don’t perceive the absurdity of their own actions.