Rousseau s State Of Nature - 1037 Words

Rousseau defines the state of nature as â€Å"The hypothetical, prehistoric place and time where human beings live uncorrupted by society† (Editors). According to Rousseau, in the state of nature people have complete physical freedom and are at liberty to do whatever they want (Editors). The state of nature for Rousseau is where human beings have not discovered rationality or morality (Editors). The state of nature keeps us from turning psychopathic as opposed to society who Rousseau says is to blame for our behavior and short comings. Rousseau interpretation of the state of nature was a man will act like a savage if they need food, sexual satisfaction, and sleep (Giampietri). In the process of acting like a savage they fear hunger and pain.†¦show more content†¦In general, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau all agree the only thing that is important to a man other than self- preservation is his immediate needs, so luxuries are not seen as vital in his opinion. Rousseau compares a savage looks to that of a wild animal, the difference being a man’s free will and the ability of self-improvement (Giampietri). Still self- improvement can either bring progress or misfortune to mankind. In Rousseau’s opinion the goodness in the state of nature is polluted thanks to civilization and progress leaving us no chance to go back to that state. However, Rousseau’s aspect on mortality in the state of nature is there is no room for law, right and mortality (Giampietri). In other words, we do not harm others because we have a natural distaste to seeing people in pain or suffering. Such as, Hobbes and Locke assumption that we will fall in a state of war which Rousseau feels they over estimates. Rousseau imagines in state of war a man will feel horrible for the harm caused to other fellows. To Rousseau in a state of nature man are equal. Rousseau attitude towards private property is different than Locke’s view. Rousseau feels the only outcome that will occur of owning private property is inequality, mutual dependence, and jealousy. When the social contract first came out many people did not agree with it. In fact, the Paris authorities immediately banned it after its arrival (Delaney). The social contract job is to tell how a government