To understand the theories of Hobbes, you must first understand his basis for those theories in relation to man in his state of nature. Hobbes argues along the lines of realist thinking, much like Machiavelli, that man in his state of nature will succumb to his natural passions. These passions are those which keep man constantly on the path of survival. Man has a natural right to everything in nature and he will acquire what he needs and desires at whatever cost he deems necessary, especially when dealing with the family and its protection and welfare. Much like these realist thoughts are applied in todays world, Hobbes concludes that man will always strive for more power and authority over others. Hobbes discusses how in nature there are certain living creatures like bees and ants that live sociably among each other and yet have no other direction, than their particular judgments and appetites; nor speech, whereby one of them can signify to another, what he thinks expedient for the common benefit. (Hobbes 137) According to Hobbes, man cannot do the same because he is continually in competition for Honor and dignity, which natures simpler creatures are not. Because of this, man will take his fate into his own hands and rely on his own strength in dealing with his fellow man.However, Hobbes is not implying that man cannot control himself, but merely stating that man is aware of his unavoidable passions and instincts. Man does possess a level of rational thought to the extent that he knows he must relinquish control to a sovereign power out of necessity. The sovereign power, whether it is an individual monarch, or a small group of elites, maintains order so that man does not fall prey to those passions again and only hinder himself instead of progressing. Because of this basic theory of man and his rationality brought out by necessity, a commonwealth or form of regime is created.In comparison, Vico states that the first form o...
