1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree? Is it important to you for our leaders to be reliably honest, with exceptions only for instances of national security and the nation's best interests?
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being "rooted" in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"?
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Do you respond more positively to politicians who appeal to pessimism and fear, or to those who appeal to hope?
4. Life outside society would be what, according to Hobbes? Do you think your neighbors would threaten your survival if they could get away with it?
5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? Do any particular fears influence your political opinions?
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not?
HWT
1. How do eastern and western philosophies differ in their approach to things, and what is ma? Which do you find more appealing?
2. An interest in what is much more developed in eastern thought? Do you share it?
3. What is dukkha?
4. What is Sakura?
5. What takes the place of religion in China? Do you know people here who have found religion-substitutes?
6. Chinese thought does not distinguish between natural and ____, focusing on what?
7. What is the famous story of Zhuangzi? What's your reaction to it?
8. The Japanese fascination with robots reflects what traditional view? Are you similarly fascinated?
FL
1. What was Arthur C. Clarke's 3d law regarding technology, and what's its converse?
2. What was the original "alternative medicine" and what is its "upside"?
3. What national craze of the 1830s relied on a "totally bogus extrapolation"?
4. Who was Mary Baker Eddy and what are her followers misleadingly called?
5. Who was Dr. William A. Rockefeller?
6. What did Mark Twain say about history?
7. How was the California Gold Rush an "inflection point" in how Americans thought about reality?
8. What did de Tocqueville say was "the chief or secondary motive in everything Americans do"?
Niccolo Machiavelli (in From Humanism to Hobbes by Quentin Skinner)
Calvin sounds like (Thomas) Hobbes describing the state of nature. Hobbes (the tiger) behaves like Machiavelli's Prince. (And check out Hobbes, Machiavelli & others in Existential Comics...)
#10
ReplyDelete1. Machiavelli said leaders need to have virtù, meaning manliness or valour. I think that saying you need manliness to be a ruler is an ignorant take in the modern day. As far as valour, or courage, it is completely necessary in order to be a ruler. People will not take you seriously as a ruler if you are shy or cowardly. It is so important for our leaders to be honest, which is something that has not been seen in the American government in a long time. I cannot think of an instance where national security would be a reason to lie to the citizens. In the event that lying would be absolutely necessary to keep the citizens safe, maybe, but otherwise honesty is the best policy.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy was said to be rooted in reality. He viewed the human nature as evil. Humans will be crooks, thieves, and liars by nature. My own experience does not confirm this one bit. there are bad humans and there are good humans. My experience leads me to believe that human nature is to choose the easiest path of survival. Not to choose evil from birth. Some people have to resort to being evil, others don't. Some people are awful just because. Some people are good just because.
3. It is based on the view that humans are evil by nature. Politicians that use fearmongering and pessimism make me upset. It is pure manipulation, and I will be much more likely to respond to hope than fear.
4. Hobbes described life outside of society as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." There is honestly no telling what my neigbors would do if there was no government controlling them. There aren't many people that live outside of society, but humans lived outside of society at some point in our evolution and we survived to this point. We were nomads before society existed and from what I understand, we weren't really interested in other people. Hunt your food, sleep in a cave, and keep moving. As society gets more advanced there is more temptation to harm others. Humans created money, power, technology, and class systems. These things give people temptation to do wrong because their neighbors have things they don't. It's material that really strikes evil into people.
5. "The fear of attack" is what influenced Hobbes. This honestly seems like a fear that impacts many people's political opinions. People choose their party based on what they are afraid of losing. Christians fear an attack on their faith, women, lgbt, and poc fear an attack on their rights, and patriots fear an attack on their country. The fear of attack is what modern politics is based on. Everybody wants to live in peace.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the soul. At this point in life, I don't know what I believe. I am not closed off to the idea of the soul. I think there is something that causes individuality the way humans experience it. However, there are so many ideas on what the soul entails and I haven't done much research outside of what I was raised with.
LHP
ReplyDelete1. Machiavelli thought that a leader should be able to tell a lie and break a promise. I think that you cannot always promise things, and whilst I understand it is normal to feel more comfortable with a promise I'd rather there be no promise made then lying. I just don't think lying stems from anywhere good in the mind, even if you are trying to do a good thing
2. Machiavelli thought that philosophy should be rooted in what really happens. I do understand why he thinks human nature is ultimately bad. I have also seen things that humans do that are honestly disgusting, however, I also see humans do genuinely kind actions that give them nothing in return that leads me to believe the world is in a more yin and yang sense than simply good or bad, that there is grey in the world and we cannot make a general assumption about it.
3. This is based on cynicism, the thought that people could not be trusted and were up to no good. I think that those who appeal to hope are much more alluring for me, I think that someone who chooses to rule with fear and hate causes more fear and hate. I know as someone who was raised in a strict house, for example, does not lead to submission and happiness, but more for me to look to other role models and guidance in my life, and that if my parents had not changed their ways I would not "follow" them, so to speak. So I do not think ruling with an Iron fist does much good in the long run as much as it does get instant results.
4. He called this a state of nature, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. I do believe there are some people who would indeed harm you for what you have, but I also think there are people who genuinely believe with passion that this is not a right thing to do. Humans are naturally driven by their morals, and while some of them will harm you for their own benefit, there are some who would help you. The way you find this out is getting to know someones moral character.
5. He believed that the fear of death kept people in line, and the fear of mistrust was the reason rulers should act with an iron fist. I do think I learn towards the side of freedom in choices, the idea of becoming a society that is one person always like the other terrifies me. I think the beauty in society is individualism and choice, so I do not want a "ruler" who would take this away, but rather inspire it with a set of natural rules that keeps everyone safe.
6. He did not believe in souls. I think that I do, not so much in a religious sense, but I feel that we do have some form of an afterlife, and that all this human emotion can't simply come from our brain, I think that our soul and brain work together to create these intense human emotions. Otherwise how would you explain people reacting differently to one scenario.
FL
Delete1. "Any sufficiently technology is indistinguishable from magic" Technology that seems magical can encourage and confirm peoples beleif in magic (make-believe)
2. Homeopathy, the only upside was that it followed the oath of First do no harm
3. Phrenology, feeling topographical details of your skull through your scalp.
4. Mary was a woman who founded the Church of Christ, Scientist, her followers call ed themselves scientists rather than believers.
5. Rockefellers was a "Cancer Specialist". He was a small-time grifter who tricked people into believing his care could cure them.
6. Mark Twain states that History does not repeat itself but it does rhyme
7. Permanently changing the way we thought about impossible dreams and luck and the shape of reality
8. Humans run of the love of money.
After watching a video describing Machiavelli's teachings, it feels to me he developed these thoughts on feeling. At first, he seems to just be kind of twisted, which I think may stem from being spoiled. But once his luck ran out and he was pushed away from his home I think that is when he began to really believe that you could trust no one. His thoughts seem to be more harsh based on his experiences rather than world wide. But then again this is also what philosophy is kind of about, taking your experiences and thoughts and forming a answer to the philosophical question of life's "way to live" guide.
#11
ReplyDelete1. He believed that a leader needs to learn to not be good. He explained that it should be okay to lie and kill your enemies every once and awhile. I don’t really believe this is right but if it were to be for the safety of others I could see that it could solve a few things. I really do find that you should be reliable and mostly honest when it comes to leading something. when people have to lie it should only be to benefit others, not to keep them in the dark.
2. It was said that he was rooted in reality. He saw humans to be evil. I don’t believe in his idea. There is is so much goodness in the world and sometimes it’s hard to overweigh that.
3. This was based on his thought of cynicism. this basically meant he had a low view on human nature. We were perceived as un reliable and greedy. He found it dangerous to trust anyone with promises. I feel like we all want to hear hopeful news whether it’s from a political or the news. if this were to be true though, they would be lying to us. To much goes on in the world and its not all going to be happy.
4. He described “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”. I think they would never think that lowly of someone. It really all depends on what your relationship with them is.
5. Fear of death influenced his writing. When it comes to politics I don’t really think about it much. I like to think in my opinion what is best for our country or whatever in general.
6. He didn’t believe in the existence of our souls. I do believe we have a soul but I’m really not sure what happens to that after we die. That question is still up in the air for me.
Q1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree? Is it important to you for our leaders to be reliably honest, with exceptions only for instances of national security and the nation's best interests?
ReplyDeleteA1. The ability to lie. Yes, to an extent, if our leaders couldn't lie the world would be a very different place, good or bad, I couldn't say. Yes, see my previous sentence.
Q2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being "rooted" in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"?
A2. Reality. Yes.... again to an extent, I have known both bad and good humans.
Q3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Do you respond more positively to politicians who appeal to pessimism and fear, or to those who appeal to hope?
A3. His low view of humans. Hope, 100 and 10%.
Q4. Life outside society would be what, according to Hobbes? Do you think your neighbors would threaten your survival if they could get away with it?
A4. Hell. Yes............ and I think most people would do the same thing. I know I would protect myself by any means necessary.
Q5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? Do any particular fears influence your political opinions?
A5. Fear of death. My political views? No, but we really should save the planet, and I don't give a damn who does it, JUST DO IT.
Q6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not?
A6. A soul. Yes. I believe in reincarnation.
#10
ReplyDelete1. Machiavelli said a leader needs to have virtù or manliness. He believed that as a ruler you should be feared and learn to lie or break promises. I do not believe that and I think that is a paranoid state to be in. It is important for me to trust in leaders because I do not want a corrupt person ruling over me.
2. Machiavelli said that philosophy should be rooted in reality. I can see from his perspective that human nature can be evil, but I have also seen that people can be so good. I believe that how you determine what is "realistic" is on how you perceive reality.
3.This view of human nature is called cynicism. I respond more positively to politicians who appeal to hope because I do not want to live in a world where fear is what runs it.
4. According to Hobbes, life outside society would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short". I do not think the worst of humans because I believe everyone is good. I do not believe that if people had to chance to be evil they would take it.
5. The fear of death influenced Hobbes' writings because he believed that would make people form a society. The only fear I have in politics is losing my right to choice.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of souls. He thought that we were just bodies. I do believe in souls because I think that outside our bodies we are still who we are.
#11
ReplyDelete1. Machiavelli believed a leader needs to have virtù and not be a good person. I kind of agree because it is good to be nice and honest, but sometimes lying in a very important situation can create less chaos. It is important for our leader to be reliable and honest because it creates more trust with the people. However, when it comes to instances of nation security or nations best instance, i believe the president should be completely honest with its citizens incase anything happens so everyone is prepared.
2. His philosophy is rooted in reality of life. I do agree because i understand no one is perfect and betrayal is part of the human experience.
3. I respond positively to rulers who appeal to hope because i believe they are more realistic when it comes to their choices rather than those who are pessimistic.
4. Life outside society would be nasty, brutish, and short. My neighbors would threaten my survival chances if they could get away with it because we don't know each other, and I wouldn't make any significance in their life.
5. Fear of death. The only thing i fear is a totalitarian government.
6. Hobbes did not believe int he existence of souls. I do believe in souls because it shows how diverse humans are with personalities and thinking.
Section 11
ReplyDeleteLHP:
1. Machiavelli believed it was important for people in power to have 'manliness' or virtu he would call it. I do agree to a certain extent, I agree every leader should definitely have thick skin and a since of pride. It is also important for a leader to be wise and know when to strike and when to seek peace. Honesty from a leader is a requirement, there is never a need to lie, especially to the people you rule over.
2. Machiavelli believed his philosophy was rooted in what really happens. I have experienced a wide range of humans, and they were both exactly as he described humans and also the opposite. If I had to average out the two, I'd say there are greedier, and I blame technology and the decline in physical activities outside the house for majority of humans over the span of the last few years.
3. The ruling of fear is based on the animal instincts of mankind. Politics are not my cup of tea I prefer to stay away from the topic.
4. Life outside of society according to Hobbes would be similar to the walking dead, although he would not have made this comparison, he believed that friendly neighbors would turn to untrustworthy foes and so on. I do not think my neighbors would, but I would not put it past any human to be aggressive. It's been going on since before this country was built.
5. His fear of how quick England could descend into anarchy influenced his later writings. I do not have any political fears I do not think of those things. Still open to hearing some perspectives though.
6.Hobbes did not believe in the existence of the 'soul.' I do believe the soul exists, because I've done my own research and come to my own conclusions. There is no physical evidence to my knowledge, but that does not alter my thinking or beliefs.
FL:
1. His third law was that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, its converse meaning is, Technology that seems magical and miraculous can encourage and confirm credulous people's belief in make-believe magic and miracles.
2. The original alternative medicine was Homeopathy, its upside was, it inherently fulfills the Hippocratic oath: first, do no harm.
3. Phrenology
4.She invented her own quasi-Christian pseudoscientific belief system.
5. He was a typical small time grifter, salesmen of 'cancer cures' and other false medicines.
6. Mark Twain said, " History doesn't repeat, but it does rhyme."
7. The California Gold rush changed the way Americans thought about impossible dreams and luck and the shape of reality overall.
8. Love of Money.
LHP #11
ReplyDelete1. Machiavelli says a leader needs to have "virtù" which is an italian words that translates to manliness or valour. I do in a way agree only if it was to lie about something that you don't want other people to be worrying about. Other than that I think that it is important that people should be trusting their leaders and not thinking that what they are being told is a lie.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is rooted in reality. He saw human nature to be evil which personally I don't agree on. Although yes, there has been things done by humans that are brutal, but not all human instinct is to be malicious. There are good and genuine people in the world as well.
3. The idea was based on cynicism. I personally respond more positively to politicians who appeal to hope rather than fear.
4. According to Hobbes, life outside society would be brutal poor and nasty. I don't think my neighbors would threaten my survival if they could get away with it because I don't think that they would choose evil.
5. The fear of death influenced Hobbes' writings. I have not really thought about any particular fear.
6. Hobbes didn't believe in the existence of souls. I do believe in souls because it is part of my beliefs in my religion.
1. Machiavelli believed that a leader needs to have virtù. If a leader has virtù they are brave, swift, prepared, and they seize control of opportunities. If a leader is all of these things then they will improve their luck and this is important to Machiavelli because he believed that our success relies on good luck. I believe that the government has the right to withhold sensitive information from the population if it is in the nation's best interest.
ReplyDelete2. Machiavelli’s philosophy is rooted in what really happens otherwise known as reality. Machiavelli had a low view of human nature and he believed that humans are unreliable, greedy, and dishonest. I do not agree with Machiavelli’s view of human nature based on my individual experiences. While some people may not have the best intentions I believe that most people are naturally good and that they want to be kind.
3. The idea that leaders should be feared rather than loved is based on a low human view and part of Machevilli’s cynicism. My favorite historical politicians have been the ones who are hopeful for a better future and have a positive outlook. An example of this would be Martin Luther King Jr.
4. Life outside of society would be known as “a state of nature” which is somewhere without laws or anyone with power to uphold the laws. According to Thomas Hobbes society needs a structure because without structure people with lie, steal, and kill one another. I think my neighbors might threaten my survival if I was threatening theirs or if it was a last resort because of a zombie apocalypse.
5. The fear of death influenced Hobbes's writings and losing freedom is a fear that influences my political opinion. I believe that the freedom to make choices and the freedom to live out those choices is an important aspect of the American political system.
6. Thomas Hobbes did not believe in the existence of souls. I do believe that everyone has a soul and the decisions that you make while you are alive depend on where your soul is sent to in the afterlife. If you make good, heavenly choices then your soul will be sent to live among the angels and Jesus in Heaven, but if you make sinful decisions then your soul will be sent to burn in hell for eternity.
1. Machiavelli said that a leader needs to have virtu an Italian word for valour. To describe it more, he believed that success has a lot to do with good luck. Though since bad luck will happen it is best to be as prepared as possible and act quickly when bad luck strikes. On the idea that being prepared and acting decisively when bad things happen, I believe not only leaders, but everyone should attempt to have those qualities. Although previously the reading mentioned that in order to achieve those things Machiavelli believed lying, cheating, and winning/staying in power by whatever means necessary, which I absolutely disagree with. Winning is pointless if it is obtained through nefarious means, although there are exceptions – describing where the line is and not is a very difficult endeavor. Also of course our leaders should be honest, as far as national security and “having the nation’s best interest”. The problem lies in that just because a leader or group of leaders thinks they have the nation’s best interests does not mean it is. And absolute power corrupts absolutely, meaning when an individual or small group of humans have complete control over an incredibly large number of humans the one(s) in charge cannot help but focus on themselves.
ReplyDelete2.Machiavelli’s philosophy was not specifically mentioned to be “rooted” in anything, what it does mention is that he had cynicism in how he viewed things. How he views most humans to be untrustworthy and greedy. Unfortunately, he is exactly correct that most humans are untrustworthy and greedy, but they are also hopeful, charismatic, insightful, and so much more. The problem is the main reason why any trait is expressed in humans is based on the specific reward for a situation, because that is how we and most every animal on this planet evolved. The biggest factor if a positive trait is expressed in a lot of situations is based on the individual’s intelligence level and level of enlightenment for lack of a better word.
3. Cynical view of human nature. Most politicians ever have been/are liars and crooks, so regardless is they preach hope or violence they all just want more power over the people and could care less what the people want/need.
4. In Hobbes’ memorable description, life outside society would be ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short’. Absolutely my neighbor would threaten my life if they could get away with it he has already verbally harassed my family, called the cops for the smallest of infractions, sued me for “acorns from my tree going into his property”, and done more than that to the previous tenants of my house. So absolutely he would threaten my life if there was not a society of rules that prevented him from doing so. And I have met many people who are very similar.
Delete5. Hobbes had lived through dangerous times, even in the womb. He was born early because his mother had gone into labour when she heard that the Spanish Armada was sailing to England and would probably invade the country. Fortunately it didn’t. Later he escaped the dangers of the English Civil War by moving to Paris, but the real fear that England could easily descend into anarchy haunted his later writing. It was in Paris that he wrote Leviathan, returning to England soon after it was published in 1651. The biggest fear I have is having all of my freedoms taken away and a nightmarish situation as shown in the novel/movie 1984 is born.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the soul. Sould meaning an esoteric eternal being that which we are comprised of but is eternal but somehow only begins its existence when we are born then becomes eternal. That definition of a soul is absolutely a children’s tale or a comfort for the dying, which is completely fine if that brings someone comfort in this crazy universe, we live in. Why not because it is silly to think that each human born gets a special piece of eternity where they alone get to keep all the knowledge they gained while living. Firstly, the reason we experience life how we do is because we live as humans, so without a body that information of perspective is pointless. For example, we are made of sub-atomic particles constantly exchanging information back and forth, even though we are made of them we do not experience information as they do. So even if there is life in a form different from our own dimensions that we become a part of to some degree after we die then by all reasoning the information we obtained in our dimension would not transfer just like how we do not mentally receive the information from our sub-atomic particles. I could go so much further but there is no reason to.
Section 11
ReplyDelete1. Machiavelli said that a leader needed to have "virtù." This means you are swift and seize opportunity when you see it, even if you have to lie or deceive people. I do not agree with this because I do not believe that a leader should be lying to their followers.
2. His philosophy is rooted in reality. I agree somewhat because I have met lots of people and some are bad, however some are good.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on cynicism, or a low view of human nature. I am always more attracted to people who have a positive view on life.
4. Life outside of society according to Hobbes would be "solitary" and "nasty." I do not think my neighbors would threaten my survival because they are nice people.
5. The fear that influenced Hobbes writings was the fear of death. I do not think I have any fears that influence my political opinion other than the fear of completely losing all my rights as a woman.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of souls. I do believe in souls because it shows how we actually are and what makes up a person.
ReplyDelete1. A leader needed to have "virtu." I partially agree with this. I think in a perfect world our leaders would use the perfect balance of honesty paired with needed exceptions to honesty.
2. It is described as being rooted in fear. I think that what he says about humans is essentially correct in a bare-bones look but when really looking at human nature up close it is not correct. It is possible to be actively working in your own self interest while not behaving like a deceitful savage.
3. It is based on the view of cynicism. I personally do not respond positively to any politicians of any kind.
4. He said that without society, life would be a free-for-all full of murder. I think that people have lived in a civil society for long enough that if it were to go away suddenly one day, most people would remain behaving civilly; even if there were no official laws to enforce it.
5. He feared that England would descend into anarchy. I cannot think of any exact fears I have that influence my political opinions, rather just fear of politicians and government institutions becoming too powerful.
6. He did not believe that humans had souls, rather we are just extremely complex organisms. I guess I do believe that humans have a soul. I am not really sure what that entails in terms of life after death but I do believe that we have some sort of soul.
1. They mentioned virtue which i completely agree with because it is the first step needed in order to create a perfect world.
ReplyDelete2. It is rooted in reality because while we have certain expectation that everything will work out but we also need to be realistic.
3. Ruling by fear is not the best way because to me it just shows a sign that they are hungry for power. I am more open to listening to those who rule fairly.
4. Life without Society is a problem because then everyone for themselves would take a whole new level. With society it actually helps keep people in check so that way nothing goes out of control.
5. He feared that an anarchy would happen. Some of the fears that I have are maybe someone who has very high power has lost there head and have gone mad.
6. He believed humans were soulless and had no real emotion. I believe our souls are what give people character and make them who they are.
1. a leader needs "virtu" which I partially agree with but not entirely in the sense that it is meant in the book
ReplyDelete2. rooted in fear. from overall view this can appear to be correct until you look at the individuals and realize that not everyone has to be deceitful and evil
3. ruling based on fear comes from the animalistic nature of humans but i prefer a leader to be loved.
4. living without society would be anarchy. I do not believe that people would resort to evil and stealing but we have to admit there would be a fair few.
5.he feared England would fall into chaos. I don't have any fears that sway my political beliefs but i do doubt politicians
6. he believed humans did not have souls. i do believe we have souls that make us who we are but not entirely deciding our experiences.
1.Machiavelli believed ‘a prince’ needed virtù. I agree a combination of being prepared and good luck could benefit just about anyone is any situation but we shouldn’t ‘tell lies, break promises, and murder enemies’ in our daily lives. Of course I would prefer for our government leaders to not lie to us, but another part of me questions whether or not most people are intelligent enough to understand why somethings are classified.
ReplyDelete2. ‘What really happens.’ Every situation is different and there isn’t a copy and paste procedure for dealing with it. The important thing to Machiavelli was achieving the end goal. You just had to make brave and swift decisions to keep power. I do believe to a certain extent people are fundamentally selfish, but I don’t see a problem with that. You can take care of yourself while also ‘showing kindness, keeping promises, and being loved.’
3. It the people you rule over fear you, they’re more likely to follow your law’s. Since humans make ‘selfish’ choices to benefit their survival, sometimes their interests won’t fall in line with laws governing society. I agree humans can be unreliable, greedy, and dishonest but I also think governments can be too.
4. According to Hobbes, life outside society would be ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.’ Humans are selfish animals motivated with the fear of death and personal gain and if the institutions governing us were to disappear we’d be less likely to follow those laws. For me personally, I live in the middle of no where not really close to anyone. I usually don’t feel protected by the law. If I called the police they would take a while to show up and by then what’s the point? I HAVE to assume my neighbors wouldn’t take advantage of my livihood or i’ll just go crazy.
5. People’s collective fear of death will bring them together to form society. Part of that is giving up a little bit of freedom to do whatever you want in exchange you're protected from the actual as much as possible by the governing body. Fear doesn’t fuel my political thoughts, rationality and self education do.
6. The soul. I kinda agree with this. I’m pretty certain I’m just hyper evolved mammal and one day ill decompose into the ground. But there is something spiritual out the that I can’t explain. So I don’t try to.
Section 10
ReplyDelete1. The text says that the reader would have needed virtu, which could be compared to manliness. I think I would disagree with the whole lying part of his ideas. I think it depends on the context though, because you could be lying about something that really isn't that important.
2. In the text, he words it out as if he is talking about the truth/reality. Personally, I think humans are not ultimately evil, but I also struggle to elaborate on that. I just think you can't be definite about it.
3. I would want to believe that most people respond to hope as opposed to fear.
4. Hobbes believes that in a life without society, there would be chaos, and essentially, you really wouldn't be able to trust anybody. However, I feel as if we have evolved past that, for the most part.
5. His fear of death. As for my political views, I don't really know. I probably wouldn't say that I have any fear driving my views.
6. He believed that a living thing's soul would not exist. I think I do believe that we all have souls. It's what makes us different. However, it's one of those things that I understand that nobody could really know for sure.
1. Machiavelli say a leader needs to have virtù, or valor. I agree that it is good to be courageous, but it won't always help you. It is important to me for our leaders to be honest about what is going on in our country, especially in matters that affect us as citizens.
ReplyDelete2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being rooted in what really happens. My own experience does not always confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's realistic. Sometimes I've thought someone was against me and it turns out they weren't. If I had followed Machiavelli's reasoning, I could have done something bad to them for no reason.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on a cynical view of human nature. I respond more positively to politicians who appeal to hope, but not when it's unreasonable or unrealistic.
4. Life outside society would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short," according to Hobbes. I don't think my neighbors would threaten my survival if they could get away with it, but there are people in the world who could.
5. The fears of death and attack influenced Hobbes' writings. Fear doesn't necessarily fuel my political thoughts, but there are some things I am apprehensive about.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of the soul. I believe we do have souls. As a Christian, Genesis says that God breathed a soul into man (Adam) and he became a living soul. Further, people who claim to have an out of body experience, what left? Their body and mind were still here, so their soul had to have been what left them and returned.
#11
ReplyDeleteLHP
1. Machiavelli said to lead with virtu. I agree with him but not in the same way as he explained in the book. Leaders of countries have a responsibilities to the people of their country. Instead of the leader trying just benifit himself he should be thinking of how it will affect his country.
2. His philosophy is "what really happens". Machiavelli believed that people only thought of themselves and were dishonest. I think that you have to be able find out what someone's intentions before you fully trust them.
3. That leaders should be feared based by a cynical view of human nature. Instead of fearing political power I would want them to be hopeful and positive.
4. Life outside of society would be "a state of nature" which would mean that they would not have laws. I think that laws are used to keep everyone safe. While not everyone has bad intentions there are some that need the laws to keep them in place.
5. Hobbes fear of death influenced his writings. I think that fear should not influence my political choices instead I should be educated on the political candidate and be able to trust his course of action.
6. Hobbes did not believe that we had souls. So that means that he did not believe in an after life. I believe that we do have souls and that their is another life after we die.
Section 10
ReplyDelete1. Machiavelli believed that a leader needed a virtu. I do agree with that but I do not agree with how he described a virtu to be. He described it as being a liar, being ruthless, and being allowed to make promises that he can't keep. He also described this as manliness which goes to show how he had a sense of toxic masculinity. It is an ignorant train of thought, especially in the modern-day world. People need to be able to trust their leaders and understand why certain things get put into place.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy was described as being rooted in reality. Personally, I feel like it made sense but it would be unfair to treat it as though it was just black and white. There is so much more to think about when it comes to his idea of reality.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on the view that humans are evil by nature. Leaders who believe that people are inherently bad would think that the only way to get people in control is by instilling fear into them. I feel like I would personally, respond more positively to a leader who appeals to hope.
4. According to Hobbes, life outside of society would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Hobbes believed that society was what glued people together and without it, everything would go to hell. I do believe that my neighbors would because if people are already trying to threaten each other's survival when there are consequences, they would definitely have more of a reason to when there are no consequences.
5. The fear of death influenced Hobbes' writing. A political fear of mine would be the lack of freedom.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of souls, he did not believe we had true emotions either. I do believe that we have souls because it's what allows us to become ourselves.
Section #11
ReplyDelete1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree? Is it important to you for our leaders to be reliably honest, with exceptions only for instances of national security and the nation's best interests?
His key idea was that a prince needed to have what he called virtù, I do agree with him. I think leaders need to be as truthful as possible without causing mass panic.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being "rooted" in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"?
It's rooted in reality, basically what happens, happens, but you can try to help prevent a bigger burden by preparing for it. I don't totally agree with him just because someone might do something bad doesn't mean it's evil, they could just trying to be self perseverant.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Do you respond more positively to politicians who appeal to pessimism and fear, or to those who appeal to hope?
People respond stronger to fear, I respond more to hope, because it makes me feel better then being scarred of someone or a situation.
4. Life outside society would be what, according to Hobbes? Do you think your neighbors would threaten your survival if they could get away with it?
Living outside of society would be a never ending war, that people would do anything they needed to do to survive. I don't think my neighbors would because not everyone would try to harm someone else even if they needed something, they would most likely ask for something.
5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? Do any particular fears influence your political opinions?
Death the fear of death, people would rather work together and survive than to die. Yes I fear war I would not chose someone who would lead the country to war, as well as gas I need the low prices.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not?
He did not believe in the existence of the soul, that we are only here only bodies. I agree with this to an extent, I believe that most of us are just bodies her, but things like ghosts and Déjà vu makes me rethink this theory sometimes.
1. Machiavelli says a leader should have good virtues. I agree with this you cannot be a good leader if you do not have the right intentions to whomever you audience is. I think that it is important to be honest in certain situations. If i cannot trust my leader to be 100% honest with what is going on around me then it could affect my view on the way that I would see things.
ReplyDelete2.His philosophy is being rooted in reality. I believe that not one singular person is morally realistic. In personal experiences I often find that some people can put up a front when talking to people or to others, they may think that they are being realistic, but if they aren't being real with themselves than they cannot be real with other people around them.
3. It is based on the human nature that, humans are unreilable, greedy, and dishonest. I feel that I rely on a little bit of both. Sometimes fear can be the only way to actually get my attention on things, while on the other hand, i appeal to people who stay positive when bad things may happen.
4. According to Hobbes society would be poor, nasty, brutish, solitary and short. If we lived in a world where this would be the ideal, I feel that anyone could get away with whatever they wanted too.
5. The fear of attack, death, descending into anarchy, and the fear of peers influenced Hobbes' writing. I feel that the fear of death and attack influences my political decisions. I would not want to world to end because of the decisions someone else is making.
6. He did not believe in the existance of souls or being able to make your own decisions. I do beleive in this. No one can learn from their mistakes if they do not make decisons for themselves.
Section 10
ReplyDeleteLHP
1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree? Is it important to you for our leaders to be reliably honest, with exceptions only for instances of national security and the nation's best interests? Virtù, an Italian word for ‘manliness’ or valor. What does that mean? Machiavelli believed that success depends quite a lot on good luck. Half of what happens to us is down to chance and half is a result of our choices, he thought. But he also believed that you could improve your odds of success by acting bravely and swiftly. Just because luck plays such a large part in our lives, it doesn’t mean that we have to behave like victims.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being "rooted" in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"? In what really happens, yes, does confirm it to some degree. Realistic is someone who recognizes that people are fundamentally selfish.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Do you respond more positively to politicians who appeal to pessimism and fear, or to those who appeal to hope?
Low view of human nature. Machiavelli thought that human beings were unreliable, greedy and dishonest. I respond to those who appeal to hope.
4. Life outside society would be what, according to Hobbes? Do you think your neighbors would threaten your survival if they could get away with it? Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. I do think so, especially if they have a good reason to do as they wish.
5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? Do any particular fears influence your political opinions?
Fear of death
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not?
existence of the soul. I don’t believe in the existence of eternal soul because a soul to me is basically a combination of breath and body and if one of those two is absent then there’s no soul.
1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree? Is it important to you for our leaders to be reliably honest, with exceptions only for instances of national security and the nation's best interests? He said a leader needs Virtu which means manliness of valor. I agree to some extent with this, but how it is presented in the text is a little extreme. I think leaders should try and be a good mix of both honest as well as have the nations security in interest.
ReplyDelete2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being "rooted" in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"? His philosophy is rooted in what really happens. Sadly his appraisal is true that people will do a lot for power.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Do you respond more positively to politicians who appeal to pessimism and fear, or to those who appeal to hope? I think that this can be a effective way of ruling, but personally I would't respond well to this.
4. Life outside society would be what, according to Hobbes? Do you think your neighbors would threaten your survival if they could get away with it? Poor, nasty, brutish, and short. I think my neighbors would definitely try if they could get away with it.
5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? Do any particular fears influence your political opinions? Fear of death effected him. My opinions do not really come from fear.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not?He didn't believe in the existence of soul. I believe that people have a soul. I think some people are good and some are bad, but everyone has their soul and morals they live by.
1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree? Is it important to you for our leaders to be reliably honest, with exceptions only for instances of national security and the nation's best interests? I agree with some of this the one thing I question is how extreme it is. I think leaders should try and be a mix of both honest as well as have the there peoples best interest in mind.
ReplyDelete2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being "rooted" in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"? His philosophy is what really happens. His appraisal is true that people will do a lot for power.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Do you respond more positively to politicians who appeal to pessimism and fear, or to those who appeal to hope? I think that this could be a efficient way of leading people in some way.
4. Life outside society would be what, according to Hobbes? Do you think your neighbors would threaten your survival if they could get away with it? Living in the society would be a never ending fight. people would do anything they needed to do to survive. That is also why I think my neighbors would threaten my survival if i had something they needed.
5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? Do any particular fears influence your political opinions? He had a fear of death, I don't think i let my fears effect my opinions especially political.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not?He didn't believe in the existence of soul. I however do believe in having a soul i think we have one that escapes death.
^Abbie M. section #11
Delete1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree? Is it important to you for our leaders to be reliably honest, with exceptions only for instances of national security and the nation's best interests?
ReplyDeleteHe should be able to lie, and be feared. Also "virtú," or manliness, and valour. I do not agree. I think a leader should be intelligent and honest. A lie is only a short term solution, and the truth is always revealed in the end.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being "rooted" in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"?
It should be rooted in what really happens. I don't share this view. I think actions can be good or evil, but I don't think a person can be "good" or "evil." I think people are just people, and that their actions have connotations that speak for themselves.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Do you respond more positively to politicians who appeal to pessimism and fear, or to those who appeal to hope?
It is based on cynicism. I find it better that politicians appeal to us through hope. Hope is a distinct trait of humans, so it should be acknowledged more often.
4. Life outside society would be what, according to Hobbes? Do you think your neighbors would threaten your survival if they could get away with it?
Life would be brutal and short. What he describes reminds me of the "Purge" concept, but I have never watched the movies. I do not think they would. I feel like we overestimate our reactions, in a survival setting I actually think most people would give up.
5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? Do any particular fears influence your political opinions?
Fear of death and violence. I do not think so, I don't have any political opinions.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not?
There is no soul, only the body. I disagree, I think souls are real. I think somethings are unexplainable, and a soul would be able to explain things.
- Kelly Molloy, Section #13
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ReplyDelete1. I agree completely. Our leaders should most definitely be honest with our citizens, as their problems are also our problems, and, unless it is something we absolutely don't need to know, they should share it.
2. Machiavelli said people will do much for power. While I haven't experienced it first hand in a massive degree, I have seen that I myself will push for power in smaller circumstances.
3. Fear is not a good way to lead. While you can get a lot of response from fear, it is much better to lead by other means.
4. Absolutely. The ways of the world are barbaric and founded in the principles of survival only. If they need it and you have it, they will take it.
5. Fear of death. I fear the world I and my kids will grow up in.
6. Soul. I absolutely do. The afterlife is true.
1. Machiavelli believed a prince should not need to keep his word. He should tell a lie, break promises, and kill his enemies. To a certain extent I can agree with this sort of logic. If he was being dishonest and taking risks for the interest of his people, I can reason with that. However, if it’s solely to keep and maintain his power, I disagree with that sentiment. As for our leaders I believe being honest is important. Because we are a democracy, it's crucial that our leaders are honest about their intentions and goals. They should also be able to fulfil the promises they make while following the law.
ReplyDelete2. Machiavelli’s philosophy was rooted in what really happens. He believed that humans were naturely greedy, dishonest, and unreliable. In my experience, most people have at least one of these qualities to varying degrees. Though those qualities might seem negative, I believe in certain circumstances there’s room for reason. There are cases where people have all qualities and will continuously make up reasons for that behavior. When meeting people one can never really know the levels of these qualities they have, so it's important we can keep all possibilities in mind.
3. Machiavelli thought that if one ruled with fear those under them would be too scared to break their promises. At that point is when it’s safe to trust them and in any other circumstance it would be dangerous to rely on them. Politicians tend to appeal to pessimism and fear or hope. In my opinion, when they lean hard toward either side, it’s extremely off-putting. In terms of leaning slightly toward sides, I would feel more positively towards the pessimistic side. I believe hope can be extremely powerful and helpful during lower times. Though the pessimistic side appears stronger than hope in terms of campaigning for leadership positions.
4. According to Hobbes life outside of society would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. People would have resource scarcity which with no laws would lead to murder all around. I don’t personally know my neighbors but most of them are families or retired couples. My neighborhood is also quite small so I’d like to think they wouldn’t try to rob my house in that scenario.
5. When Hobbes was younger, he had escaped from the English civil war. His fear of England turning into anarchy greatly influenced his writing and political opinion. I personally have never had to escape from war or develop any long-lasting fears in that context. I hear about the state of society in Iran, and I do worry that the US could be heading towards that fate. I don’t keep up with politics, in terms of who’s campaigning for what or when even, enough to be about to put my opinions into action.
6. Hobbes didn’t believe in the existence of the soul, but believed all aspects of human existence were physical activities. I can understand his thinking towards this matter. I do believe that the functions of our organs are physical activities. But I think I consciousness does come from somewhere whether that be our soul or God etc.
#13
ReplyDelete1. I agree because if we are selecting these leaders we have a right to know about some of these issues because they could also become our issues.
2.Machiavelli believes that people are very power hungry people, me myself i don't see power as an absolute need
3. Fear is a terrible way to lead although sometimes it could be efficient it would still be better to lead off of trust.
4. Hobbes believed that life outside of society would be crude and barbaric, I think my neighbors would threaten me because in a world where survival is everything people will do anything to survive.
5. The fear of death, I do not have any particular fears
6. The soul, I believe that the soul is realand that there is an afterlife.
1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree?
ReplyDeleteHe believed a prince shouldn't have to keep his word. I partially agree and disagree with this because I believe people should always keep their word.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being rooted in what? In what really happens. He believed that human nature comes with selfishness and greed.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Cynicism. I respond to politicians who speak of hope because what do we have without hope?
4. Life outside society would be what according to Hobbes? Crude and barbaric life. We need society to flourish.
5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? The fear of death. I have a fear of disappointing others.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? He did not believe in the existence of the soul.
LPH
ReplyDelete1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree? Is it important to you for our leaders to be reliably honest, with exceptions only for instances of national security and the nation's best interests?
He said that leaders need to have manliness and valour. I agree, I think that the word manliness can be seen as a sexist affront but I don’t think so, it’s more a mindset of steadfastness and durability rather than a sexist endeavor. That being said I think that valor and manliness are very important for a leader to have. And yes, it is important for our leaders to be honest with us because if not we will no longer able to differentiate truth from lie.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being "rooted" in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"?
His philosophy was rooted in reality. Ide say that our default is to be bad. In the process of natural selection the fittest survive. In our “dog eat dog” world this bears itself to be proven true. In order to survive, we lie, we sneek, we steal. To what degree varies, however. While some people lie excessively others may act in small white lies. While some sneek and keep things in the shadows for the intent of self-preservation. And the degree of stealing differs as well, whether its food to feed your child or money to enrich your life. It all fundamentally comes down to human nature and survival of the fittest. We adapted these traits generationally to survive and we all use them to a degree to survive.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Do you respond more positively to politicians who appeal to pessimism and fear, or to those who appeal to hope?
It is based on the fact that humans are evil by nature. I think it depends, it is equally important to appeal to both so that we understand the worst and the best parts of the whole.
4. Life outside society would be what, according to Hobbes? Do you think your neighbors would threaten your survival if they could get away with it?
He said it would be poor, solitary, nasty, short and brutish. I think this is true. Without society and equally civility people are left to barbaric tendencies. A society was really just built to hold by the barbaric tendencies we are all capable of.
5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? Do any particular fears influence your political opinions?
Fear of attack. Fear of foreign attack, fear of being lied to by the government
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not?
He didn’t believe in the soul. I personally do, but I'm not completely sure why, I haven’t thought of it in extreme depth before nor have I had that value questioned. But right now I do believe in the presence of the soul entirely.
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ReplyDeleteLHP
1. Machiavelli thought that a leader needed to have a virtu; manliness or valor. I partially agree, because I think a leader should mostly be honest, but in certain situations a leader may have to keep the truth from their people in order to keep them safe.
2. Machiavelli thought that philosophy should be rooted in reality. He had a negative perspective on human nature, seeing them as greedy and dishonest. I get why he thinks human nature is ultimately bad. I partially agree, because I have seen humans commit vile acts over greed, however I don’t think the entire human race should be marginalized into that category.
3. Machiavelli’s perspective that leaders should rather be feared than loved is based on cynicism, going back to his beliefs that humans are greedy and dishonest. From personal experience, I would rather be led by a kind ruler, however knowing and following Machiavelli’s beliefs on human nature, his approach is respectable. However, in a sense, it’s like fighting fire with fire which can also ultimately feel redundant.
4. Hobbes referred to life outside of society as solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.
5. Hobbes used the fear of death in his writings. In terms of fear, I particularly fear a totalitarian government that strips humans from free will
6. Hobbes did not believe in souls. Although I’m atheist, in a weird sense I do believe in the existence of souls, it’s hard to explain.
HWT
Western philosophies tend to focus on things, while Eastern philosophies focus between things. Ma is the concept of space between. I personally find eastern philosophy’s approach to the perspective of things more appealing.
Eastern though has a more developed thought in emptiness, and in some ways I feel like I do share it.
Dukkha in Buddhism is essentially unsatisfactoriness
A cherry blossom tree, a national symbol of transience
Nature takes the place, and personally I haven’t met anyone with substitutes
Chinese thought does not distinguish between natural and supernatural, focusing on the relationship between humans and nature
Zhuangzi awoke from a dream unable to tell if he was dreaming of a butterfly or if the butterfly was dreaming of him. The implication was that if there was a difference, it doesn’t matter. In an odd way, it reminds me of Pyrrho’s skepticism.
FL
1. "Any sufficiently technology is indistinguishable from magic,” the converse being that technology that seems magical can encourage and verify belief in magic
2. Homeopathy, the only upside was that it followed the oath of First do no harm
3. Phrenology
4. Mary Baker Eddy founded the Church of Christ, Scientist, her followers called themselves scientists
5. William A. Rockefeller was a “cancer specialist” who focused on tricking people into believing he could cure them
6. Mark Twain says that history doesn’t repeat itself but it rhymes
7. The California Gold Rush changed the way we thought about impossible dreams and luck
8. Tocqueville said that the secondary motive of everything Americans do was for the love of money
Q1. What is Dukka?
ReplyDeleteA1. Dukka is the Buddhist term for suffering or unpleasant experiences.
Q2. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not?
A2. Hobbes did not believe in the immaterial mind or the human soul. Personally, I somewhat agree with Hobbes in the sense that I don't believe in a supernatural soul. Rather, I believe in a practical soul that represents the nature of the human experience.
Q3. The fear of death heavily influenced Hobbes. Death is quite a great motivator to live, and it does so effectively. I have many fears. However, I don't like to let them affect me and my opinions.
I am not ignorant, though, and am aware that I may let fear affect some of my opinions.
Q4. Who was Dr. William A. Rockefeller
A4. Dr. William "Levingston" Rockefeller was a con artist who sold elixirs and tonics. Was the father of William A. Rockefeller Jr., who was the wealthiest man in America.
Q5. What did Mark Twain say about history?
A5. Mark Twain believed in historical patterns. He held that history was a collection of events and situations that were similar to one another. However, he didn't believe in history repeating itself.
Q6. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being rooted in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"?
A6. Machiavelli's philosophy is deeply rooted in realism and cynicism. He believes that humans aren't always going to act virtuously and that the human soul is ethically dualistic. In my personal experience, this assessment of human nature and society is accurate.
For the class discussion I read the Philosophy Now article "Would Machiavelli Vote for Donald Trump?" which states that "Machiavelli would be less impressed by the current President of the USA. His behaviour might be called by us ‘Machiavellian’; but what we understand by the term is, as it turns out, an oversimplification of Machiavelli’s teaching. Machiavelli does not abandon the notion of ‘virtue’, but instead reframes it." I believe this conclusion is made because while Trump's motivations may seem Machiavellian in nature, there are differences in the way he goes about making his decisions and the reasoning behind them. These actions that some might view as necessary, might not be. And the way he views or surrounds himself with false validation that these necessary evils are more necessary than evil, thus ignoring and repeating said evil. The article also states "He should on no account surround himself with flatterers. It is also a sign of terrible leadership if the prince appoints advisors and then has to get rid of them, since this shows that he was being unwise in his initial choice." I believe that reigns very true as he has several examples of people he swore by, and in the moment they lose his trust, he goes back on this. An amazing example of this would be his VP Mike Pence, whom he now detests for his condemnation of Jan 6.
ReplyDeleteMakenzie keen
ReplyDeleteSection 13
LHP
1. Machiavelli says a leader needs to “learn how to not be good", he says doing things the socially acceptable way is not important and it's better to focus on staying in power. I do not agree with this viewpoint since, yes, not everyone is perfect, or even far from that, some of the best leaders are usually in that morally grey area, but it's important to at least try and be good, and honest. It is important for our leaders to be reliably honest so that the people in the nation do not feel misled and begin to revolt against them.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is rooted in cynicism and his view that humans are evil and cruel by human nature. My own experience does support this since I do believe all humans do have some form of malice since birth.
3.The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on the view of human nature, and that humans are naturally cruel and greedy. I would respond better to a positive politician since they have more hope for our nation, and I feel like they’ll bring more peace to our country.
4.Life outside society would be ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short’. I think my neighbors definitely threaten my survival if they could get away with it.
5. The fear of death influenced Hobbes’ writings. A political fear of mine is that people with old, corrupt views will stay in power forever, leaving us with predicaments like the ones we have currently
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of souls. I'd like to believe in the existence of souls, I feel like I would have a lot more hope throughout my life if I did but I find it hard to believe in things that arent proven to be true, unfortunately.
Section #10
ReplyDeleteRacheal Clark
1. Machiavelli believed in the support of the people, which I can wholeheartedly get behind. The only thing I do not believe in is his power trip and the fear he intends to use. He attempts to be best of both worlds. I do very much believe in the honesty of our leaders and expect this with no exceptions.
2. He believes people are rooted evil and needing of much power. No, I don't believe in evil, I believe in nature and nurture within those influences.
3. The belief that humans are automatically evil when born and nothing else. So fear is what he thought, best option. I disagree and knowingly take in that can turn your people against you. Hope motivates people.
4. He believes life would be unstable, and quite frankly gross. Yes, I do think my neighbors may threaten my survival if they could, they are a little crazy; but in that case, would not we all?
5. Hobbes feared attack, civil war, and death. The fear of my rights being stripped of me influences my political view. Especially as a woman knowing not quite long ago we had nothing. Lastly, the fear of pain others will experience.
6. Hobbes did not believe in gods or souls. I do not due to the fact of lack of science proof or data. Call it a lack of superstition.
#11
ReplyDelete1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree? Is it important to you for our leaders to be reliably honest, with exceptions only for instances of national security and the nation's best interests? Michiavelli said leaders need to have virtu' which translates to manliness. I agree that that leaders need to have manliness in the sense that the definition includes being brave and strong which people look up to and admire. I think it is important to trust in our leaders, but there are always exceptions for certain rules. Leaders need to be able to make difficult decisions and sometimes the truth will only cause more damage.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being "rooted" in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"? He tried to root his philosophy in reality. I think his perception of human nature was extremely overstated and had false absolutes. I think that nothing is truly absolute. Exceptions apply to almost everything, and I think his philosophy was based on his bias view of the world. I think there are bad people alive but to say everyone is selfish and wants power doesn't seem correct to me.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Do you respond more positively to politicians who appeal to pessimism and fear, or to those who appeal to hope? It is based on the belief that people are evil and will abandon someone they do not fear. I respond to more pessimistic politicians because I think the ones that use hope as campaign driver are trying to manipulate the populace more and appeal to the ideal side of nature. I think the ones that are pessimistic might be doing something similar but also do better at exposing the true nature of evil politicians.
4. Life outside society would be what, according to Hobbes? Do you think your neighbors would threaten your survival if they could get away with it? Life outside society would be short, brutish. solitary, poor, and nasty. I think that laws do fundamentally keep society from collapsing, otherwise what would be the point of having them. I would not fear my neighbors since I know them and am good friends with them, but I would be much more warry around strangers.
5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? Do any particular fears influence your political opinions? the fear of death influenced Hobbes' writings. I fear politicans' need for power and control and the lengths they will go to get it. I don't trust politicians and I think most if not all just want more money and are greedy.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not? Hobbes did not believe in soul or spirit. I do because I have faith, I know that people aren't just animals. I can feel my soul and there is no other explanation for the moral compass or conscience humans are born with.
Interpretation of the Leviathan #11
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting that Hobbes referred to the Natives in America as living in Human Nature, implying that they were savages murdering one another and fearing everyone while struggling to survive. This past summer I took a history class where we looked at passages John Smith wrote about the Native Americans. In it he described their societies and lifestyles, showing its orderly infrastructure and collaborative culture. He later said they were savages, but his explanative writings conveyed anything but that. I think there was a stigma about their culture, perhaps started by Hobbes or added to by him, that added to the colonization of Native Americans.
#11
ReplyDeleteLHP
1. Machiavelli said a leader needs to have virtu' or manliness and valour. I believe it is important for leaders to possess a steadfastness, they should have valour and be decisive. I also think it is important for a leader to be honest and as transparent as possible with his people. I admire a leader who understands he works for the people rather than a leader who lies to cling to their power and values their position more than they value the people who put them in power.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is rooted in realism. My own experience has definitely shown me that we as human have a great capacity for reason but often ignore in favor of our own self interests.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on cynicism. I respond more positively to leaders who appeal to hope and who appear honest and genuine.
4. Hobbes believed life outside society would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. I have to agree with him, I think if all law and order ceased to exist, I would be more weary of my neighbors and other citizens who would realize there are no repercussions for stealing or murdering.
5. Hobbes feared death, civil war, and anarchy. I fear losing my rights and not being able to freely express my views/opinions as a citizen.
6. He did not believe in souls or God. I believe we all have souls.
Section #11
ReplyDelete1. He said a leader needs to have virtu which means to show manliness characteristics. I do agree with this because I think a leader should be someone that possesses bravery and can handle and be prepared for tough situations. It is important to me for our leaders to be honest, because I believe a true leader is someone who people should be able to count on for reliable information, as well as be led towards what is best.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being rooted in what really happens. Through my experience, I find that humans are often dragged into what fits their needs and what benefits them the most in life. I guess I do agree that people are deep down selfish in some ways.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on cynicism. I respond better to politicians who appeal to hope rather than fear, because I believe if you hold a high position in power, it is your responsibility to make people feel comfortable through hard times.
4. According to Hobbes life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. I think that if it was a matter of life or death for my neighbors that they would threaten my survival. I think that this principle could go for anyone beside maybe close family members.
5. The fear of possible anarchy and death influenced Hobbes writings. A fear of mine that influences my writings is being lied to or a big picture being covered up.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of the soul. I do believe we all have a soul because I have faith that we can still exist after death as a spirit in heaven.
1. Machiavelli said that a leader needs to have "virtù" or "manliness". That they need to reign supreme and show their power, and that promises are meant to be broken. In terms of our modern day leaders, I believe that it is important for our leaders to be honest, however the never are. Such examples are the fact that, legally, the president needs to have Congress's support to declare war, but in the modern day era, the president bypasses the consent of Congress by not officially declaring war, but just declaring a "military operation".
ReplyDelete2. The philosophy is described as being based in "human nature" because of human greed and selfishness. And yes, in my own life, I have seen that most people are selfish and self-serving. And I do believe that a central authority would be needed to have a society that isn't anarchical.
3. That view is based on the fact that if a person is feared, they will fear to speak out or act out of line. However, I believe that for someone to rule responsibly with the consent of the people, they should be reverend, but not feared. Honoured, but not hated.
4. Life outside society would be pure anarchy. And yes, I know plenty of people in this world who, in that state of society, would kill, and whatever else, if it meant that they prospered.
5. The fear that the small-minded individual would be able to rule themselves, such as in a state like the United States. Rather, the intelligent, all encompassing Leviathan should be the supreme authority to keep the well-being of the people upheld.
6. Hobbes seems to reject organised religion and the divine right of kings. He believes in the supreme authority of the Leviathan, but doesn't believe that their power comes from a higher power, but simply that their power is derived from society entering into a social contract.
LH #10
ReplyDelete1. What did Machiavelli say a leader needs to have? Do you agree? Is it important to you for our leaders to be reliably honest, with exceptions only for instances of national security and the nation's best interests?
He stated that leaders needed to be powerful and not be afraid to do anything, like lie, for the betterment of his people. I think modern day leaders should be considerate and honest, but also not be afraid to do something if need be.
2. Machiavelli's philosophy is described as being "rooted" in what? Does your own experience confirm his appraisal of human nature and what's "realistic"?
Rooted in selfishness. I do agree that most do. I think people need laws and leaders to keep them in check.
3. The idea that leaders should rule by fear is based on what view of human nature? Do you respond more positively to politicians who appeal to pessimism and fear, or to those who appeal to hope?
Idea is that if you fear your leader, you wont talk back against them. I think it is true, but better if you honor the leader and truly appreciate them.
4. Life outside society would be what, according to Hobbes? Do you think your neighbors would threaten your survival if they could get away with it?
It would be terrible, and many would kill or harm to survive.
5. What fear influenced Hobbes' writings? Do any particular fears influence your political opinions?
That anarchy would occur. No fears really influence my political opinions that I can think of. I also haven’t ever cared or voted.
6. Hobbes did not believe in the existence of what? Do you? Why or why not?
He didn’t believe in souls or gods. I’m not sure if I believe in souls, but I don’t believe In god.
#11
ReplyDelete1. He thought that sometimes it was better to tell lies, break promises and murder your enemies if that's what you need to do. He said that a Prince (any other leaders) needs to have Virtu, or "manliness" and that you can improve your success by making swift and brave decisions. I don't agree. I don't think that doing nasty things for more power is ok. Leaders do need to be honest, but they don't have to tell us every single detail of what's happening, but at least not lie about it.
2. Rooted in what really happens. He gave his readers examples of what he was writing about.
3. Machiavelli believed it was better to be feared than to be loved. Which in some cases it can be true because people would never have high expectations of you so you wouldn't really let them down. But that was then. Now, its more respectable when a leader is hopeful. They are the face of the people, and their positivity/ negativity can greatly affect the people. Leading with hope even in really shitty times can just cause togetherness and more power and can lead to greater things. Being fearful all the time will get you nowhere
4. "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.
5. Some fears do influence my political opinions. Nowadays if anyone disagrees with you they all the sudden get violent. There have been people threaten others because of a dumb argument that should never happen.