Compare Hobbes’s and Locke’s conceptions of the state of nature and governmental authority. Which do you think corresponds best to reality and which do you believe is better. Why?

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Hobbes vs. Locke on the State of Nature
Mouritz (p. 123) outlines the state of nature as a critical aspect that informs the political philosophy essential in the development of the “social contract theory and conceptualization of human nature.” The state of nature prevails in the existence of the laws of nature to govern individuals and society is functioning together. Hobbes outlines the state of nature a permanent state of war that continuously threatens the existence and life of the individual. In his conceptualization, Hobbes states that all human beings are equal and that strength and capacity of an individual can allow them to dominate the rest. Therefore, believes in the development of an absolute monarchy with unrestricted ruling to establish social governance that controls the people (Mouritz, p. 124).
On the contrary, Locke’s conceptualization of the state of nature does not hold the same conviction as Hobbes to imply the state of war. Locke upholds skeptical views on the natural state providing impartial justice. Mouritz (p. 125) state that Locke believed that for an effective sovereign, there was no essence to establish an absolute monarchy to serve as the overall rule. Instead, Locke pushed for the expansion of more freedoms of individuals in the society. The social contract supported by Locke was one that provides the people with the power to formulate laws that govern and enhance justice.
The distinction between the two political philosophers outlines extensive features of the state of nature and the law of nature as applied in the social contract theory.

Hobbes as a pessimist whose views were widely influenced by the state of war that scavenged and ravaged across Europe as a result of materialistic and greedy nature of men supported an absolute monarch with immense power to govern others. Locke’s skeptical views towards absolute monarch are influenced by the involvement in “prevent Charles II’s royal absolutist younger brother James from succeeding the throne” (Mouritz, p. 124).
Thus, to enhance the state of nature and laws of nature, Locke puts a firm conviction where human freedoms and increased role is essential to support the social contract that governs their existence. Therefore, individuals in the society self-determination and governance is a notion that has developed today’s democratic society that assures equality and social justice for all. Hence, serve as the best approach.

Works Cited
Mouritz, T. H. O. M. A. S. “Comparing the Social Contracts of Hobbes and Locke.” The Western Australian Jurist 1 (2010): 123-127.