Saturday, January 3, 2009

How does Thomas Hobbes deal with the problem of conflict resolution?

Thomas Hobbes explained that conflicts arise from conditions observed in the state of nature and basic human psychology (competition, the need to feel safe and the pursuit of glory). The thinker asserted that man in a state of nature is driven by self-interests and the need for self-preservation. These needs fuel man’s desire for power in order to enable him to secure his present and future. He suggested that although people are not inclined to attack, they will do so because they know others will attack them for what they have. Out of fear they are forced to attack first as a mode of defense, creating the never ending vicious circle of conflict.


Thus, because man’s self-preservation and interests are under constant threat of conflict, man is required to make an effort towards peace in order to resolve the situation. This he suggested would be achieved by submitting to an absolute authority established through the people’s mutual covenant to obey the institution.

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