In Leviathan, Hobbes perceives man as egoists, always urged by desires for "objects:" "of the voluntary acts of every man, the object is some good to himself" (Hobbes, 12). These desires would never be fully satisfied, because "the object of mans desire, is not to enjoy once onely but to assure forever, the way of his future desire" (Hobbes, 6). ... The inevitable result is a state of warfare, where "every man is an enemy to every other," and life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" (Hobbes, 8). ... This view is validated by Smith&#x...

• Word Count: 1845
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

He is also responsible for the creation of the economics metaphor of "the invisible hand" used to describe unintended social benefits that can come from individual actions. ... Smith is also responsible for the development of the invisible hand metaphor and early stages of laissez-faire economics. ... Voltaire developed his belief that an enlightened monarchy was necessary in order to preserve the rights of man, Helvetius introduced his blank slate theory, and Bentham combined Helvetius's ideas with the optimism of the time and created the movement of Utilitarianism. ...

• Word Count: 1343
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

He is most often recognized for the expression "the invisible hand," which he used to demonstrate how self-interest guides the most efficient use of resources in a nation's economy, with public welfare coming as a by-product. ... By preferring the support of domestic to that of foreign industry, he intends only his own security; and by directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. ... "In civilize...

• Word Count: 1471
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

(514 Western Civilization) Man believed that, through reason, we become more aware of the laws of nature and the role it plays in the universe. ... Should this progression continue then man could achieve the quality of being free from all flaws of defect. ... What a great change from the thoughts of man before the Enlightenment, where God was responsible for everything that occurred. ... The idea of progress was indeed true, and man given the freedom to think could exceed technological boundaries. ... Adam Smith, the father of modern economics today wrote about "free trade," "the law of suppl...

• Word Count: 1452
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Thomas Malthus Thomas Malthus stated, in his "Essay on the Principle of Population," that both food and sex are necessary for the survival of man (11). ... The economy, guided by the "invisible hand", adjusts itself according to society's self-interest (Smith). ...

• Word Count: 1442
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate