Social order is something humanity has struggled to maintain a balance

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Social order is something humankind has struggled to maintain a balance. To that effect, individuals have relinquished some of their power to a superior authority that is chosen by a majority to strike some form of balance. Social contact theories aim to identify the relationship between nature and law concerning an individual’s rights. Philosophers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are widely renowned for their influence in the social and political aspects of the community that we live in today. Their views on democracy and liberalism paint a picture of how society has come to view their rights, social norms, and expectations. Thomas Hobbes believed that democracy does not make a society a better place, while John Locke, considered the ‘father of liberalism,’ believed in liberalism as the architect of a great and peaceful society. This essay intends to compare Hobbes and Locke’s philosophies and offer a stand regarding which state of nature is good for society. Lack of democracy of liberalism.
Human beings consider themselves equal in a state of nature where there is no governing authority or any laws. Humans believe that they are superior to other beings. According to Hobbes, equality ranges from mind, body, and nature. Equality of the body is measured with regards to nature as opposed to personal strength because a weaker man can intellectually outsmart even the strongest person. Individuals are also equal in mind. An individual sees themselves as more learned, eloquent, and stronger than others even when that’s not the case. This entitlement makes people selfish, and they only think of their wellbeing, and eventually, war is inevitable. The Society becomes mistrustful and paranoid, and quarrels emerge as competition for resources ensues. People defend what they perceive to be rightfully theirs, while others do it for pride and prestige. Hobbs, therefore, believes that a higher authority is needed to maintain social peace.
In a state of nature that has no governing authority, there is freedom, and people get to live in a world where everyone is equal just as God intended. According to John Locke, God created every human equally and did not grant any form of authority to any individual. He believes that in the event of governance by a higher authority, the governed should have consented to it. The individual should be entitled to the same level of freedom, even in the presence of a governing authority. John Locke somewhat agreed with Hobbes that people’s desires could lead to conflict. To address such conflicts a governing authority is needed, and it should ensure equal participation of the society. According to him, the responsibility of the government was the provision of protection and a state of balance.
A contentious aspect of social contract theory was religious toleration. Thomas Hobbes questioned the impact of religion on societies and deemed it as convectional. According to him, no religion is verified as they are dependent on intentions that humans deem appropriate. Humans glorify their religion and what they believe in but disregard other religions terming them as superstitious. In regards to religious toleration, he agreed that it aids in maintaining peace and coexistence in the society. Individuals tend to get defensive when their beliefs become questioned. The Romans used this tactic to rule their empires. They openly tolerated other religions as long as their religion was acknowledged and respected. This view of Hobbes shows that people are very passionate about defending what they believe in at any cost.
John Locke viewed the church and religion as a private affair, and the government should not get involved. He supports religious toleration as believed that freedom to worship and believe is God-given. During this time, the war in ...