Hobbes claims that the agreement of animals is “natural” but that the agreement of men is not natural but “by covenant only”. What does Hobbes mean by this? Is it something that we can agree or disagree with?
This is where he states it:Lastly, the agreement of these creatures is natu- ral ; that of men, is by covenant only, which is artificial : and therefore it is no wonder if there be somewhat else required, besides covenant, to make their agreement constant and lasting ; which is a common power, to keep them in awe, and to direct
their actions to the common benefit.
In that chapter (17) he basically says that humans naturally crave for power and that can harm the covenant. But if there are punishments that are given out to whoever that breaks the contract then people would abide by the rules.
I want to know your opinion.
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I have not read Hobbes so I can not comment directly on your question. However in the last paragraph the statement "But if there are punishments that are given out to whoever that breaks the contract then people would abide by the rules" has proven to be incorrect. If it were so we would all be saints.
Sorry, but I'm only up to Chapter 16.