Answer

The Human Nature

Hobbes’ Proposal on the Type of Formal State needed

Thomas Hobbes is regarded as one of the proponents of contract theory. According to him, individuals must agree to live together under common laws and develop an enforcement mechanism for the laws and social contract in order to escape from the state of nature (Carnoy, 2014).  In other words, people in the state of nature are asocial and apolitical such that their self-centeredness and the lack of contracts and rights would prevent them from co-existing together in peace and harmony (Poole, 2013). As a result, coming together and laying down their natural rights of freedom and equality, while at the same time, submitting to a sovereign authority would ensure a peaceful society (Carnoy, 2014). In this case, the agreement between the people and the sovereign authority/ body is referred to as social contract.

Locke’s Proposal

Locke’s concept of social contract differs from Hobbes’ in various ways. For instance, Locke suggests that persons in the state of nature would be bound morally and not harm each other as proposed by Hobbes (Tătulescu, 2013). That is to say, the natural condition of mankind (the state of nature) is complete and perfect for individuals to pursue their interests and plans without any interference from others (Poole, 2013). Locke, however, agrees with Hobbes on the social contract. He proposes that the social contract between the government and the people is essential in protecting property/ estate, life, as well as, liberty (Tătulescu, 2013). In this case, property, life, and liberty are viewed as natural rights that cannot be taken away or given up voluntarily by individuals.

Rousseau’s Proposal

According to Rousseau, man is naturally endowed with freedom and equality by nature. However, that nature has been corrupted by their contingent social history. As a result, he was convinced that liberty could only be achieved through direct rule by the people, where popular sovereignty was inalienable and indivisible (Rousseau, 2015). In other words, a direct rule/ democracy would give everyone an opportunity to vote and express their general will, as well, as contribute to the creation of the laws of the land. In this case, the laws will be an expression of the people’s will and freedom rather than a limitation (Poole, 2013).  He, however, maintains that most individuals are often not aware of their real will and hence require a great leader (the legislator) to change their customs and values through the proper us of religion (Lang, 2014). Rousseau’s social contract is, therefore, based on popular sovereignty rather than individual sovereignty.

In conclusion, the human nature is portrayed in different ways through Hobbes’, Locke’s, and Rousseau’s proposals on the appropriate types of formal states. In this case, Hobbes portrays humans as self-centered, insecure, and selfish individuals who only pursue what they perceive is in their best interest. On the other hand, Locke was convinced that the human nature was characterized by tolerance and reason.  However, this nature influences people to become selfish in most instances.  Lastly, Rousseau depicts the human nature as innocent and at its best in its natural state. In other words, people possess an absolute independence, contentment, and live entirely for themselves in the state of nature.