Outline: Thomas Hobbes & Karl Marx
For my final paper, I intend to analyze the works of Thomas Hobbes and Karl Marx, who are both prominent philosophers. My goal is to evaluate their opinions and use it for my final project to identify commonalities and disparities in their perspectives on issues such as the fundamental nature of mankind, capitalism, justice, liberty, revolution, and the relationship between citizens and the state. Thomas Hobbes
Mankind/Human Nature
Believes that human life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.”
Man in his natural state is in a constant state of war.
Citizens should give up their freedom for government protection.
Capitalism
Believes the state is responsible for implementing capitalism.
Wealth alone is not enough to have a successful economy.
Human labor is a commodity that is valued based on market forces.
Justice
Justice is dependent on the existence of a strong government.
Believes that justice does not exist in the state of nature.
Moral principle that emerges from the voluntary agreements made in the social contract. Liberty
Believes that laws are artificial restraints.
Only a limited number of things completely restrict human liberty.
You experience freedom when no barriers hold you from doing what you want to do. Revolution
Believes there is no justifiable reason to revolt against the government.
