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Hobbes and Locke on Human Nature
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Hobbes and Locke on Human Nature
Human nature refers to the general characteristics shared by all people. Throughout the history of humankind, philosophers have presented their theories about human nature, which vary from one philosopher to another. John Locke and Thomas Hobbes are two philosophers well known for their thoughts on human nature. Human nature governs all aspects of life, which is why the topic is so important. A major question on human nature is whether all people share the same characteristics or differ individually. The two philosophers offer different opinions on human nature. Locke suggests that humans are rational and reasonable, while Hobbes argues that humans are governed by selfishness and self-seeking. The two support their positions with solid points, leading one to believe that human nature varies from person to person.
John Locke presents an optimistic view of human nature. According to him, human beings tend to be reasonable and tolerant. God is the author of all morality, which is guided by the law of nature. Humans obey these laws of nature due to the fact that all people are equal. The law of nature demands that all people respect others’ “life, health, liberty, or possessions” (Locke 182). All humans being equal should not harm each other in any way. Each must strive to pursue their own plans and interests, but the process will be peaceful as each person is governed by respect for others. The restrictions under the law of nature ensure that all people remain considerate of others in their pursuits. In this state, humans do not require coercion to obey the laws of nature, and therefore government only exists to punish wrongdoing. Those who break the laws of nature need a public body to punish their offenses and protect others’ freedom and liberty.
Thomas Hobbes shares a more bleak view of human nature. He believes that human beings are driven by the selfish need to achieve their own goals, even at the expense of others. In the natural state, before any social contracts, all people are equal. Under the laws of nature, humans are forbidden from causing any harm or destruction to one another. Hobbes argues that men are driven by ambition, avarice, and passions, which can only be governed by a government authority (Hobbes 71). Without such a sovereign body, individuals would have the license to do anything they want, and society would be at war with itself. Hobbes explains that the idea of justice rests on people keeping their promises and covenants. However, due to the nature of selfishness, humans will renege on their contracts based on their goals. To avoid such situations, there needs to be a sovereign body that enforces punishment and ensures covenants are kept. This body is the government that creates institutions and laws to govern human actions.
Locke and Hobbes differ in their views of human nature in several ways. First, they disagree on the driving forces behind human nature. Locke argues that reason and rationale are the main forces behind human nature, while Hobbes says that selfishness is the main force behind human nature. The two also differ in their view on the role of government. Locke explains that human beings respect each other’s wellbeing in their pursuits. The government’s only role is to punish those who cause harm to life or property. In contrast, Hobbes views government as an institution that guides every aspect of human life. Due to their selfish nature, human beings are bound to break promises and covenants. Only the authority of a sovereign government will keep people in check and make sure they fulfill their promises to others. Without government authority to force people to act as they should, people’s selfish nature would prevail, and individuals would pursue ends that benefit them without a care for others.
After analyzing the two philosophies on human nature, I support Hobbes’ view more. The main point of Hobbes’ view is the selfish nature of human beings which is something evident in our everyday life. Government exists to enforce promises and covenants among people and groups. Only the fear of government institutions keeps people in check. For example, one of the main rules in society is that people must not harm each other or destroy other people’s property. However, a lot of murders, violent robberies come from the desire to acquire property or other gains at the expense of others. The government is responsible for making sure that people maintain the rules against destruction and punish those who break these laws. When two groups sign a contract, the government will hold each party accountable for their actions. This knowledge of a sovereign body will ensure that they keep their part of the bargain or be punished by the government through the courts.
In summary, views on human nature are bound to vary from one person to another based on individual experiences. People are motivated by different ideologies, which makes it difficult to give one standard of human nature. Hobbes and Locke have different views on human nature, both of which hold some valid points. Hobbes’ view has become more apparent in today’s world where people have become more and more selfish, seeking their own gain at the expense of others. On the other hand, there are still many reasonable and tolerant people as per Locke’s view. It is impossible to have one standard of human nature, so we should both of these theories remain relevant.
Works Cited
Hobbes, Thomas. “1651.” (1987).
Locke, John, and W. Von Leyden. Essays on the law of nature. Clarendon Press, 1954.
Vitamin D Supplement
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Vitamin D Supplement
Vitamin D supplements are among the many different types of supplements used by individuals in the United States. In my case, I have been staying indoors, and therefore the exposure to sunlight for the making of vitamin D within my body has not been entirely successful. Consequently, I have decided to purchase vitamin D supplements to ensure that my health is good and does not deteriorate because of my lifestyle. I have chosen vitamin D3 from Nordic Naturals, and it appeals to me greatly as it is a very safe and reliable supplement. It is used to provide the much-needed vitamin D within the body system if it is not available through foods and natural sunlight. According to its rating on Amazon, it is a trustworthy brand, and it produces excellent results according to reviews. Its effectiveness can also be attributed to my friend’s narrative of its success.
The vitamin supplement is very safe for a person’s healthy body. However, like it is for every medicine or supplement, if a person uses it wrongly, they might likely get into health problems may be due to practices like overuse, less usage or using it together with other products which might be reactants.
The supplement is called Pro Vitamin D3, Orange – 1000 IU Vitamin D3 – 120 Mini Soft Gels Non-GMO. It has 12o servings, and it is reliable. The supplement supports healthy bones, mood and immune system function. Therefore due to these reasons, I would consider taking the supplement. The evidence I have used for this reasoning is that my friend is using it and its ratings on Amazon are very high. There are many brands tested and did not receive the quality attainment required. However, this brand was tested and qualified.
Works cited
“A-Z Databases.” Paradisevalley.libguides.com, paradisevalley.libguides.com/az.php. Accessed 11 Apr. 2021.
Visual Analysis of the Transfiguration by Raphael
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Visual Analysis of the Transfiguration by Raphael
Transfiguration is an art that was painted by Raphael between 1516 to 1520. He painted this art based on the suggestions and the story of the Bible whereby Jesus appeared to his three most favorite disciples who can also be considered to be his closest group of disciples. Therefore Raphael basing his painting on this biblical story he paints an art that represents Jesus with Moses and the three disciples, James, Peter, and john observing and witnessing his transfiguration. It is an oil painting which is based on renaissance art and it is found in the Vatican museums in room 8 of the Pinacoteca Apostolica. Therefore this paper provides a visual analysis of the transfiguration of Jesus painted by Raphael.
Raphael was an artist who was very productive and lived between 1483 to 1520. Even though he lived for a very short time he was able to accomplish many works of art and he succeeded in gaining a prominent position as one of the most influential artists of his time together with Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. This piece of art was painted when he was at his last times and it was his last painting before he died. This type of art is considered to be an art ahead of its time and it was also the best art painted by Raphael. This is because it contains some elements and mannerisms of the baroque style of painting (Eikema, 20). Raphael passed on during the good Friday and due to his perfect work of art, it was placed next to his body before his burial as well as being placed close to his tomb when he died and was buried in the pantheon. This was a sign of how good his artwork was and how people had something to remember him for. Later the painting was taken to the Vatican museums whereby it is available for viewing by tourists who visit this museum.
Raphael painted this piece of art not only about transfiguration alone but also about the possessed boy brought to Jesus for healing. These two completely different stories placed into one are a bit confusing and there have been several debates as to why Raphael must have placed these two contrasting stories into one. This painting was commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici who later became pope clement VII. It was commissioned as an altarpiece of the French cathedral of Narbonne. This piece of art even though done mostly by Raphael was finalized by his assistants after his death was Giovanni Francesco and Giulio Romano. Even with the old age, the painting is still fully visible with its pristine splendor regards to the Vatican conservation experts.
The painting is a contribution of a renaissance in Rome and it displays the divine as well as the divine nature of Jesus. Raphael uses contrasts of light and movement Raphael brings together these two stories together into one and makes them visible as one piece of art even though representing two different stories of the bible. This can be described as a polished design. Disegno means that a piece of art is not just a piece of art but more than a piece of art as a craft but as fine art. This word is an Italian word and its basic concept is brought out by the renaissance artists. This art tries to show the connection of Jesus from heaven to earth and therefore why people would follow the rules and laws embedded within the different societies.
The top part of this artwork is seen as bright and Raphael uses light colors to show the heavenly kingdom of Jesus. On the other hand, the lower side of the painting is shown using a darker theme and color showing the people of the world who need Jesus’s power who is displayed in the upper part of the painting(Kleinbub, 370). Therefore through this Raphael is seen to use proper color to present his ideas and desires about expressing what it means for Jesus and the possessed boy. The effects of light are a dominant theme in this piece of art. Raphael uses blue and white colors in this photo to symbolize religious colors.
The other colors used are yellow, red, orange, and green. These are all warm colors that display and symbolize humanity. He presents the figure in the painting with an interesting pose and a complex facial expression. The boy show is possessed is displayed as having had a difficult time through the use of pale yellow for his skin. In the middle, there is a kneeling woman who is seen as a representative of the church and its duty and responsibility to bring peace, love, and unity among peoples of all kinds. The skin and drapery of this woman are given much cooler colors by Raphael than those images on the lower part of the piece of art that he portrays with a heavy chiaroscuro. Through this, the illumination of the pink garment is possible (Eikema, 10).
In conclusion therefore this artwork is an important part of understanding what it is meant by the transfiguration of Jesus and how this affects the lives of individuals. Not only this literal meaning but this painting helps us understand art even more as well as history and appreciate the masterpieces of art like the one discussed above.
Works cited
Eikema Hommes, Margriet. “Discoloration or Chiaroscuro? An Interpretation of the Dark Areas in Raphael’s” Transfiguration of Christ”.” Simiolus: Netherlands Quarterly for the History of Art (2000): 5-43.
Kleinbub, Christian K. “Raphael’s Transfiguration as Visio-Devotional Program.” The Art Bulletin 90.3 (2008): 367-393.