Critically discuss Hobbes’ political theory and how Locke could challenge it.
Explain Hobbes’ views on human motivation (namely, psychological egoism; see lecture document), the state of nature, whether people have moral rights in the state of nature (or natural rights), the terms of the social contract, the source of rights of subjects (If any), the rights and duties of the sovereign, and the criteria of good vs. bad laws. How does he argue for his conclusions, e.g., his theory of human motivation? Briefly explain how the political situation in which Hobbes found himself influenced his political thought.
A problem in political theory is how to prevent a sovereign’s abuse of his/their power. Does Hobbes have the theoretical resources to provide motivation for the sovereign to rule for the public good?
Present two significant objections Locke would raise to Hobbes’ position. Explain how Locke does, or would, argue that his view on each of these two issues* is superior to Hobbes’ competing view.Original criticism: Whose position on each of these two issues (you raised in the prior section*) is more reasonable—Hobbes’ or Locke’s? Is it completely satisfactory? Explain and defend your views.
