1. Absolutism and Leviathan I: The State of Nature
Thomas Hobbes

2. Overview
Psychological Egoism
Equality
The “State of Nature”

3. Psychological Egoism
The Question: Why do people do the things they do?
The Egoist Answer: Whenever a person does anything, it is for some perceived personal benefit.
Corrollary: No one will do anything unless there is something in it for him or her.
This is Hobbes’s basic assumption about human nature.

4. Equality Factual vs. Moral Equality
Hobbes thinks people are equal in fact.
Varieties of Equality
Equality of Physical Strength
Equality of Wit
Equality of Ambition
The Evidence about Wit: How Smart are You?

5. Life in the State of Nature
Sources of Conflict
Competition
“Diffidence”
Glory
The War of All Against All
Actual Fighting
Readiness to Fight
Justice in the State of Nature
“Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short”

6. Review Questions What is Hobbes’ view of human motivation?
What is the State of Nature?
How does Hobbes describe life in the State of Nature?
Why does he think life in the State of Nature would be like that?