Question
6. ARGUMENT Write a paragraph arguing Hobbes
position. Be sure to include specific ideas. You may use any of the
material in the chapter to illustrate your argument.
Answer
Hobbes' position is that human beings are naturally selfish and violent, and that the only way to prevent chaos and violence is through a strong, centralized government. He argues that in a state of nature, without any government or laws, people would constantly be at war with each other, and life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Therefore, he believes that individuals must give up some of their individual freedoms in order to live in a society that is safe and secure. Hobbes also argues that the government must have absolute power in order to maintain order and prevent rebellion. He believes that the social contract between the government and the people is necessary for the survival of society, and that individuals must obey the laws and authority of the government in order to maintain social order. Overall, Hobbes' position emphasizes the importance of a strong government and the need for individuals to sacrifice some of their individual freedoms for the greater good of society.