Glossary

State of Nature

Origin: English • Associated with: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke • Political Philosophy

Definition

A hypothetical condition of human life before or without political society, used to justify the need for government.

Explanation

Hobbes described it as 'war of all against all' where life is 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.' Locke saw it as relatively peaceful but inconvenient without impartial judges. Rousseau imagined noble savages corrupted by civilization.

See Also

Social Contract The theory that political authority derives from an agreement among individuals...

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M. M. - Coffee Drinker & Storyteller

M. M.

Coffee Drinker & Storyteller

I live among shadows and broken certainties. I speak little, I think too much. Each text is a failed attempt to translate what I can't even fully feel.

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