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I think the state of nature as imagined by the likes of Thomas Hobbes is more just an assumption that is more based on observations of conflicting social groups
by keithnz 5y ago
I think the state of nature as imagined by the likes of Thomas Hobbes is more just an assumption that is more based on observations of conflicting social groups, as such it is an emergent nature. But, I think humans evolved on the basis of mutual cooperation is a better survival strategy. So I think we have this ingrained base nature that wants to work together with other humans.
- anigbrowl 5y agoThe fact that he wrote the book during the English Civil War really ought to get more play than it does; amid such dire circumstances a desire for order at any price is understandable, but Hobbes' situation and personal biases are rarely taken into account. A thoughtful counterpoint (albeit a somewhat idealistic and romantic one) to Hobbes' is found in the writings of Peter Kropotkin.
- goatlover 5y agoHumans evolved to cooperate within their tribe. Everyone else is an outsider, who you might trade and cooperate with, but you might also fight. All depends. At any rate, the history of civilization has lots of conquests and empires. Once an empire is established, forced cooperation also happens, until it doesn't.