Human Nature as Viewed by Thomas Hobbes and David Hume...

Human Nature as Viewed by Thomas Hobbes and David Hume Thomas Hobbes in Chapter 13 of Leviathan, and David Hume in Section 3 of An Enquiry Concerning the Princples of Morals, give views of human nature. Hobbes’ view captures survivalism as significant in our nature but cannot account for altruism. We cover Hobbes’ theory with a theory of Varied Levels of Survivalism, explaining a larger body of behavior with the foundation Hobbes gives. Hume gives a scenario which does not directly prove fruitful, but he does capture selfless behavior. We will give Hobbes’ view of human nature as he describes it in Chapter 13 of Leviathan. We will then give an argument for placing a clarifying layer above the Hobbesian view in order to†¦show more content†¦In order to ensure survival, we must dominate our competitors. We have natural instincts to dominate other men, according to Hobbes, and this is part of what constitutes our human nature. Hobbes views human nature as very mechanistic, requiring that our actions have direct benefit to us. One may argue against Hobbes that he does not provide explanation for why some people in our current society act altruistically. For example, many people have been known to risk life and limb to save another. Hobbes may respond that those people are foolish aberrations from survivalism. One could also respond that altruistic acts do benefit those who do them, either by bettering one’s reputation, or giving one mental satisfaction. This is not adequate enough to explain why one would donate organs upon death, when one’s reputation is no longer of any use to them. Take another example: while driving one sees an unknown stranger standing in the road and swerves out of the way into a tree. Regardless of the outcome, the driver risks her own life in an effort to preserve the life of a stranger. Under the Hobbesian theory, these actions go unexplained. These examples are common in our society, yet they are unexplained by Hobbes. These acts, however, can be explained in terms of survival. I argue that we are survivalist on several levels. Our human nature includes a survivalist instinct of our own life, the livesShow MoreRelatedPhi2010 Philosophy Research Project. Madison Lee. Free1754 Words   |  8 PagesPHI2010 Philosophy Research Project Madison Lee Free Will, Kevin Timpe As humans, free will is something we commonly assume we have. When evaluating what free will is, we become less certain. David Hume calls it â€Å"the most contentious question of metaphysics.† In simplistic terms, free will is having the ability to determine your own plan of action. 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