Natural state

Definition

The natural state refers to a philosophical concept often associated with Enlightenment thinkers, describing a hypothetical condition of human existence before the establishment of organized society and government. This idea suggests that in the absence of civilization, humans would live in a state of freedom and equality, but also potentially chaos and violence. Enlightenment philosophers debated the implications of the natural state for social contract theory and the justification of political authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of the natural state is central to Enlightenment thought, influencing discussions about human nature, society, and government.
2. Different philosophers had varying views on the natural state; while Hobbes saw it as chaotic and violent, Rousseau viewed it more positively as a time of peace and equality.
3. The natural state lays the groundwork for social contract theories, which argue that governments are legitimate only if they are based on the consent of the governed.
4. The exploration of the natural state led to questions about human rights and individual freedoms in the context of political authority.
5. Discussions about the natural state also informed revolutionary ideas during the Enlightenment, contributing to movements advocating for democracy and social justice.

Review Questions

• How do different Enlightenment thinkers perceive the concept of the natural state, and what implications does this have for their views on government?
  • Different Enlightenment thinkers had distinct perspectives on the natural state, significantly influencing their views on government. Thomas Hobbes believed that life in the natural state would be chaotic and dangerous, leading him to advocate for a strong, centralized authority to maintain peace. In contrast, Jean-Jacques Rousseau romanticized the natural state as one of harmony and equality, arguing that civilization corrupts this innate goodness. These contrasting views shaped their respective theories on social contracts and the justification of political power.
• Discuss how the idea of the natural state contributes to social contract theory and its significance in Enlightenment political thought.
  • The idea of the natural state is fundamental to social contract theory because it provides a backdrop against which individuals consider their rights and responsibilities within society. By contrasting life in a natural state with organized governance, thinkers like Hobbes and Rousseau highlight why individuals might agree to form governments. This framework emphasizes that legitimacy stems from consent; thus, if governments fail to protect rights or maintain order, they lose their justification to rule. The significance lies in how it influenced democratic ideas about governance based on popular consent.
• Evaluate how Enlightenment discussions about the natural state have shaped modern notions of human rights and governance.
  • Enlightenment discussions about the natural state significantly shaped modern notions of human rights and governance by promoting ideas about individual freedoms and the role of government in protecting those rights. Philosophers like Locke built upon the natural state's premise to argue that individuals possess inherent rights that governments must respect. These ideas laid foundational concepts for modern democracy, emphasizing that governments exist to serve the people rather than control them. As such, Enlightenment thought continues to inform contemporary debates about justice, equality, and governmental authority.

Related terms

Social Contract: An agreement among individuals to form a society and establish government, where they collectively consent to give up some freedoms for protection and order.

Thomas Hobbes: An English philosopher who argued that in the natural state, life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short,' necessitating a strong central authority to maintain order.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau: A French philosopher who believed that humans in the natural state were noble savages, living in harmony with nature until civilization corrupted them.