Hobbes Theory of the Social Contract
Hobbes fronted the theory that nature equips humans with more or less the same ability to be able to accomplish tasks and complete objectives (Hobbes, n.d). In doing so, Hobbes however noted that it is mental strength (strength of the faculties of the mind) which offers greater equality than physical strength, observing that the covenant of existence men could only be set by the men (Hobbes, n.d). Hobbes pointed out that it is the nature of man to go to war over competition (which is done for gain) or for diffidence (which is done for safety) and additionally, for glory (which is done for glory) (Hobbes, n.d). In the absence of these aspects, peace would prevail. Hobbes claims that to this effect, human beings require the presence of a common power to ensure that they are not constantly in a state of war.
Hobbes notes that wherever there is either absence or failure of common power, then the notions of what is just, wrong and acceptable cannot be defined by individuals in society (Hobbes, n.d). According to the text therefore, common power gives rise to consensus and the existence of laws and rules in the form of covenants which dictate how individuals can achieve prevailing peace (Hobbes, n.d). It is implied that all men should subscribe to the social contract as it is just and it’s breach would therefore be unjust. Laws are established in accordance with the right of nature which notes that individuals make effort towards action that favors their own self-preservation, for instance the formulation of laws (Hobbes, n.d).
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These notions he states are referred to as social contract due to the fact that when man exists in solitude, there is no need for laws but when in a society, there is need to provide guidelines to avoid conflict among individuals (Hobbes, n.d). The theory suggests that men are skewed in favor of peace based on three passions namely: fear of death, desiring luxuries of life and the hope of having a means to obtain these objects (Hobbes, n.d). In formulation of laws, human beings establish their desire for peace in addition to establishing that it is vital for a social contract to exist among individuals for there to be peaceful coexistence among them.
John Locke’s Labor Theory of Property
John Locke’s theory suggests that god grants the world and its resources to the means of man for man to utilize and exploit it for the betterment of his/her life (Locke, 1690). However, the theory point out that it’s vital to be able to define what exactly is bound to be exploited by each individual in order to avoid conflict among men (Locke, 1690). Locke (1690) acknowledges that for a commodity to benefit an individual, it must be affirmed that it truly belongs to them whatsoever the means that was used to allocate it to them.
The theory therefore defines property as that commodity or item that an individual has toiled for or sowed part of and therefore, through the act of labor, transformed either the commodity or what shall be produced from it as his own property (Locke, 1690). The theory therefore suggests that improvement of commodities through labor significantly increases the value of that item (Locke, 1690). The value added deems it that it is only right and just to define it as the property of the individual who has labored to have its yield to in a state that is improved from the state that they found it in (Locke, 1690). Locke (1690) emphasizes that it is the theory of property and labor that enables man to attach different values to commodities, therefore influencing the advent of trade, and subsequently money.
Which theory should be used to evaluate the morality of taxation for universal health care?
The concept of morality of taxation refers to the ethics of consent in demanding for communal participation of individuals, even when it is for their own wellbeing. Hobbes’ social contract therefore defines the morality that defines imposition of taxation for universal health care within the articles that define the social contract (Hobbes, n.d). For instance, in accordance to the right of nature, the concept of taxation for universal healthcare is action taken by human kind in order to preserve their own lives, therefore justifying the reason for taxation for everyone’s good (Hobbes, n.d). Additionally, the concept of liberty argues for the curtailment on the freedom of free will by mandatory requirements that one contributes to their health (Hobbes, n.d). Moreover, it compromises on the financial wellbeing of individuals which begs the question of whether it is moral and ethically correct to impose tax on individuals, even if it is for the good of every individual.
References
Hobbes (n.d). Of the Natural Condition of Mankind as Concerning Their Felicity, and Misery.
Locke, J. (1690). Second Treatise of Government.
