The First Law of Nature

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Thomas Hobbes' definition of reason and principle of materialism harmoniously function to support his first law of nature. It looks at how, given that all events proceed from the mechanical pushes and pulls of objects in the physical world within a materialist philosophy, reasoning becomes a process by which to sum certain named things and arrive at incontrovertible conclusions. It shows how, with regards to human beings, Hobbes offers affirmations about their nature from which the first law follows as a logical conclusion. These premises conclude that acting in accord with the first law is the surest way to serve a person's primary physical interest, the preservation of their life.

From the Paper:

"To find that a state other than peace is the most advantageous for human beings would be wrong reason because of error, a deception concerning what actually precedes and follows from given events. This is illustrated in the case of the Fool's claim that the "Free Rider" policy is in the best interest of the individual, and thus the most reasonable course of action, though detrimental to the state. Advocating this line of thought is the affirmation that the Free Rider would garner something by breaking contract, while premises allow thwart the personal surrender of any rights or privileges. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. Ed. J. C. A. Gaskin. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

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