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Social Philosophies. Good? Evil? Just is?. Human nature is good : we innately want to do good things. Human nature is evil : we innately want to do bad things.
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Good? Evil? Just is? • Human nature is good: we innately want to do good things. • Human nature is evil: we innately want to do bad things. • Human nature just is: We are the products of our environments; humans have instinctual drives which are biologically predetermined.
Thomas HobbesHe argued … • People naturally have selfish impulses. • In a community, these selfish impulses lead to chaos (human nature is naturally evil). • A strong leader is needed to discipline, control and manage society. • Type of government: Conservative (autocratic, dictatorship, monarchy).
John LockeHe argued… • People are born naturally rational. • Individuals willingly give up some personal freedoms in exchange for the promise that their freedoms will be protected by the government (like our constitution). • Type of government: Liberal/Moderate
Jean-Jacques RousseauHe argued… • People are born naturally free and peaceful. • This freedom and harmony is achieved through the ‘common good’ • The common good can only be achieved in small communities. • Human nature is essentially good, though large societies corrupt this goodness. • Type of government: Liberal
Who could have said this?? • “We need discipline in the classroom, strict rules and severe consequences to maintain order.” • “If we all work together, we will all be happy.” • “Living in communities serves the needs of people.” • “You know what? I’m willing to sacrifice a good mark on the presentation board, as long as I get a good mark overall.” • “As cities get larger, people become more corrupt.” • “A written set of rules is needed to maintain order, but the people should have a say in the making of these rules.” • “People only do things to benefit themselves.”
Because of these philosophies … Governments were created… Governments were created to: • look after the structures that provide important services to the population; • to create laws and to ensure such laws are respected; • some governments even try to make compromises to satisfy the multiple needs of their citizens.
Government is defined as … • "To Steer” (Latin Term) • “Manage the nation’s business” • A decision making system that has the right to make laws that directs a country, province or city.