Exploration of Rights of Nature in Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan

Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan explores the idea of â€Å"right of nature,† by going through a number of laws and explaining the necessity of a sovereign government. Hobbes believes that the natural right of human beings to preserve their own lives necessitates the first law of nature, which compels them to seek peace to fulfill that right; similarly Hobbes’ belief that humans posses a natural right to all natural things necessitates that they give up certain rights to a sovereign in order to preserve the peace. Hobbes’ â€Å"The Right of Nature†, or jus natural, is one’s liberty to preserve his own nature (86). The right then breaks down into liberty, the law of nature, the fundamental law of nature, and the second law of nature (as well as other in-between steps). The law of nature is â€Å"a precept†¦ found out by reason, by which a man is forbidden to do, that, which is destructive of his life, or taketh away the means of preserving the s ame....† (86). Basically, any â€Å"right of nature† stems from reason, which is common knowledge. Hobbes believes that human beings, being reasonable, will discern their right to self-preservation. He furthers his explanation of the laws with the concept of The fundamental law of nature. The fundamental law states, â€Å"every man, ought to endeavor peace, as far as he has hope of obtaining it; and advantages of war.† The law furthers into two parts, the first is to â€Å"seek peace, and follow it,† while the second is to, â€Å"defend ourselves†(87). Hobbes’ laws are allShow MoreRelatedThomas Hobbes And John Locke1348 Words   |  6 PagesEnglish writers, philosophers, and politicians to expand upon the notion of human nature, based on their own beliefs and experiences. Two of these renowned English thinkers, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, embodied the rising movement of using reason to make judgments on government, society, and the role of the king. 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