What is Hobbes view of human nature and is it in any way similar to that of Machiavellis view of human nature?

Answer the following questions based on Leviathan: Part I. Of Man by Thomas Hobbes

1. According to Hobbes, what is the state of nature and how does he characterize the conditions of the state of nature? In other words, what is life like in the state of nature?

2. What is Hobbes view of human nature and is it in any way similar to that of Machiavellis view of human nature?

3. Why does Hobbes argue that man voluntarily agrees to enter a social contract, which means to live under a government? What type of government does Hobbes advocate for?

Answer the following questions based on the Second Treatise of Government by John Locke

4. How does Locke describe the state of nature and how does it differ from Hobbess view of the state of nature?

5. What are the natural rights according to Locke?

6. Briefly, how is Lockes theory of Natural Rights reflected in the United States Constitution and throughout the core principles of American Democracy?

7. There are obvious contradictions and hypocrisies in Lockes theory of natural rights and with the founding of America in 1776. Most notably, a system of slavery and the period of Jim Crow that ensued. In addition, in early America, one had to own land in order to vote and women werent allowed to vote until 1920. With that being said, do these contradictions make the Constitution and Lockes theory of natural rights less valid?

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