An advocate of physical power, as well as governmental power, Machiavelli stressed the need for virtu, a quality that has been translated to mean "...a union of force and ability...will"(Burckhardt quoted in Machiavelli 195). ... He moved back to Machiavelli's notion of the nature of man, but then extended that theory into what he called the "state of nature". Hobbes gives us the first true definition of the state of nature and the purpose of man's existence in it. ... Peace cannot exist in the state of war born out of the state of nature, so it becomes apparent that the laws of nat...

• Word Count: 2524
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

The Second, the summe of the Right of Nature of Nature; which is, By all means we can, to defend our selves." ... - The second law of nature follows to seek peace... XVII Of the Causes, Generation, and Definition of Commonwealth - Hobbes concludes that there must be some common power, some sovereign authority, to force people to uphold the contract. ... - There are two ways of establishing a commonwealth: through acquisition (force) means that a sovereign power takes control of a group of people, who--if they do not resist the acquisition and depose the sovereign--must consent to his cont...

• Word Count: 2051
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

Concept of Human Nature Locke's view on man is summed up in his Essay on Human Understanding. ... Locke's philosophy on human nature was greatly influenced by the hard times in which he lived and was involved in. During times of extreme distress and also when in political exile, he noticed the vicious aspects of human nature. ... He experienced the goodness of human nature. His whole political theory is based on his perception of human nature. ...

• Word Count: 7056
• Approx Pages: 28
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School