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Hobbes perceives human beings to be machines that often seek to pursue their own good. He asserts that humans tend to be exclusively self interested and usually concentrate on activities that enhance their wellbeing and avoid those that have negative implications. In particular, he argues that all activities that humans engage in are geared towards satisfying their personal needs and desires. He also indicates that humans are very reasonable to the point that they pursue their interests as effectively and optimally as possible (Pojman, 2006). He contends that only a central political authority that is leviathan can be able to deliver humanity from this state of nature that is considered miserable.
In contrast, Rousseau appreciates that humans are naturally good. According to him, they have freedom and equality that is accorded to them by nature. However, he indicates that the human nature that is characterized by natural goodness has been increasingly corrupted by civilization and society. He blames the inherent contingent social history for altering the human nature. He further shows that this corruption can be overcome if humans invoke their free will that would enable them reconstitute themselves politically and uphold democratic principles. Notably, these are beneficial and enhance the holistic wellbeing of the society.
The mechanistic view of humans by Hobbes has various implications on their general wellbeing. To begin with, it implies that the human body can be easily manipulated to achieve the selfish interests of the soul. Well, humans participate in various activities in order to earn a living. These can only be achieved if the body is physically fit and can carry out the relative activities with ease. Indeed, a healthy human being who can function optimally is beneficial to the society. The various skills enable him to be able to survive in this capitalistic society. Notably, humans maintain the body through exercise and healthy living in order to enable it perform the activities accordingly. This is exemplified also through use of pharmaceutical products to cure the body in times of sickness.
However, the mechanistic view of the human body has also had various negative effects that have in turn undermined the human worth. In particular, incidences such as abortion contravene the notion of sacredness that considers the human body to be a holy entity. Further, the generalization of humanity as brutal and often seeking to further self interests by Hobbes can be contested. In this regard, he fails to acknowledge the rational nature of humanity as well as the intrinsic differences that accord humans different characteristics. Nevertheless, considering the fact that the world is usually in a state of anarchy and high level of disorder, the aggression presented by Hobbes can be justified. Essentially, it enables humans to deal with various challenges and enhance his wellbeing.
Rousseau’s perception of humans can be considered to be rational and based upon the principle of liberalization. In this regard, it is worth noting that the society is characterized by a high level of disorder that is manifested through brutality, poverty and competition. Therefore, to be able to earn a living, it becomes increasingly imperative for one to conform to the same. In particular, humans assume aggression for effective competition. Lack of this has adverse effects on their wellbeing as it deprives them of critical resources that are required for survival. Notably, this contributes significantly to the perceived corruption. Nonetheless, it can be posited that this is aimed at enhancing the welfare of humanity. It should also be appreciated that humanity is characterized by a high degree of diversity and seemingly, competition tends to disadvantage certain segments that may not have sufficient power to compete.
Reference
Pojman, P. (2006). Who Are We? Theories of Human Nature. Oxford: University Press.
