In chapter 13 of this reading Hobbes talked about the nature of men, happiness, and misery. I agreed with the part of competition Hobbes presented. If two people want the same thing and only one can have it they will do anything to defeat the other. The part I didn't agree with and like about this chapter is the part about glory. I don't think many people look for glory anymore, instead they look for what makes them happy.
Chapter 14 discusses natural laws and contracts. I wasn't quite sure that I agreed with the two natural laws stated at first, but once Hobbes explained them they made more sense. As for the section on contracts, I thought he rambled a little. He could have just listed what they were and gave an example instead of going into such detail. I didn't like this part of the reading very much.
Chapter 15 introduces more laws of nature. I think Hobbes spent too much time describing the third law of nature. The 4th through 19th laws were described much more concisely. I liked this part because it was to the point of what they were and what he meant. Chapter 16 was very short compared to the other chapters. I disagreed that a person is the same as an actor. An actor plays a role and a person is them-self. If you are being yourself you can't act or be a "representative" as Hobbes says.
After reading the Leviathan, I was surprised how understandable and interesting the reading was. I was unaware of most of the 19 natural laws. I also thought chapter 13 was ironic considering how old the writing, is you can still see the 3 characteristics described in the chapter in individuals today.
ReplyDeleteI also didn't agree with what Hobbes said in Chapter 16 for the same reason you didn't.
ReplyDeleteActor in english doesn't just mean someone in plays/movies... it means one who acts or performs actions. One who is able to do things. Good post.
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