be established. In his writings, social contract is the link between the state of nature and a civilized law. But, reverting back to his principle theme of self-preservation, a contract between two people can’t ever be valid. This is because self-interest will always be a factor, therefore if the incentive to break a contract is evident--one party will intrinsically do so. Hobbes continues to offer problems and solutions, finally resulting in the end of the inherently evil instincts of man: a monarchial government.The reasons Hobbes gives that support his insistence that a Monarchy is the best form of government are all based around the principle of self-preservation and interest. He displays the need for government and the solution like this:1. The State of Nature results in a State of war.2. Members in a State of War will be unhappy and inherently seek peace.3. Peace leads to social contract, yet social contract will fail due to self-interest.4. Self-interest can only be solved with an over seeing arbitrator—but an arbitrator alone won’t succeed due partiality and lack of authority. 5. The arbitrator then needs to become a governmental authority. 6. Deciding on which type of government is best has led him to the conclusion that an absolute monarchy is the only system that can have success.7. The reason being that because every man is self-interested, by giving power to only one authority who has complete control of society is the best alternative. Because every man is evil, it is better to give up power to one individual, so that the evil in the society is limited. John Locke’s theory directly opposes that of Hobbes. Locke’s view of the state of nature is a state of being where all men are created equal, and all men have the right to protect their life, freedom, and possessions. He believed that men were neither inherently evil nor good. Therefore, no one individual has any more right over a...
