A research on the necessity of the state, following Michael Huemer's conclusion that a stateless society would function more efficiently. The aim of the thesis was to explore whether the conclusion...Show moreA research on the necessity of the state, following Michael Huemer's conclusion that a stateless society would function more efficiently. The aim of the thesis was to explore whether the conclusion given by Michael Huemer was correct. Huemer argues that modern states lack political legitimacy and that citizens cannot be forced to oblige the state’s laws. He is convinced that societies would be better if they are stateless. The thesis followed Huemer's claims. In order to answer the research question, Thomas Hobbes was discussed as a defender of the state. Furthermore, Robert Nozick was used to test Huemer's argument. Nozick has similar claims, but he reaches a different conclusion. This thesis concludes that Huemer is not correct and that even by accepting his optimistic assumptions, the state, be it a minimal one, remains inevitable.Show less
This thesis concerns the social contract theory of Hobbes and Locke. The question that will be answered here is whether there is any room for resisting the social contract in their respective...Show moreThis thesis concerns the social contract theory of Hobbes and Locke. The question that will be answered here is whether there is any room for resisting the social contract in their respective theories, and if so, whether this is problematic for their theories. The thesis begins by giving a historical background to Hobbes and Locke and then moves on to problems concerning Hobbes' theory of the social contract and self-defense against the state. Following Hobbes we look at Locke's theory and the problem of the initiation of the social contract. In conclusion this thesis looks at the possibilities of maintaining a social contract even if they are found to be problematic through a synthesis of the theories discussed.Show less
In dit paper onderzoek ik de state of nature bij Hobbes en hoe we daar met hedendaagse informatie tegenaan moeten kijken. In het eerste deel onderzoek ik Hobbes en concludeer ik dat de...Show moreIn dit paper onderzoek ik de state of nature bij Hobbes en hoe we daar met hedendaagse informatie tegenaan moeten kijken. In het eerste deel onderzoek ik Hobbes en concludeer ik dat de belangrijkste oorzaak van de state of nature wantrouwen jegens elkaar is. Hierna laat ik aan de hand van experimenteel onderzoek en hersenonderzoek zien dat mensen zich vaak coöperatief opstellen. Ik laat zien dat we 'hardwired' zijn om reputaties van elkaar te vormen en onthouden; zodoende loont een coöperatieve houding en daardoor is de state of nature die Hobbes beschrijft niet zo 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short' als hij omschrijft.Show less
