Philosophy 102

Here is a brief survey of the well known answers to some of the big questions in life. They are questions of philosophy rather than religion because they deal with the natural world rather than the super-natural. 

The natural state of being

Hobberus said that the natural state is wild and savage; the strong abuse the week, no one can be trusted as they are out for their own best interests. He claimed; life is nasty brutish and short. People create social organizations to escape from the natural state of being. The nation-state exists to establish and keep the peace, so that people can exist in stable relations with each other.  Hobberus argues for a strong centralized government, because it will control people and limit their greedy tendencies. It will act in the best interests of the majority.   

Lockellenus said quite the opposite; that the natural state of people was peaceful. He claimed that people had to work together in order to overcome natural hardships. The nation-state was built to foster better co-operation. Because it worked so well people no longer had to worry about survival. This prosperity, although seeming to be a good thing, had a darker side. It allowed people to become selfish. Lockellenus argues for a limited form of government, because the people, having become nasty brutish and short sighted, will try to use it for their own ends.

The theory of rights and responsibilities

 Customary Rights – are by tradition known and acted out. They have no official form or mechanism for their enforcement. They live in the opinion of a community. People who break customs may be punished in unofficial ways, such as being shunned. The classic religious commandments are actually traditions rather than laws.

Contractual Rights – are official agreements between parties, in which the duties and privileges of both parties are spelled out. For example: a marriage, a business partnership or a feudal vassalage. These arrangements are more binding than simple customs. They usually have the force of law behind them.

Task Rights – are the basis of government power. The necessity or desire to accomplish a task brings with it the right to do what is required. The protection of the realm requires an army which requires support. Thus taxation, for example, is a right of government in order for it to do its work. The law always supports such task rights.

What is freedom?

Personal freedom is based on the universal custom of self preservation. You always have the right to defend yourself when attacked. Which supports the general custom of carrying arms whenever you perceive danger may be near. Because of this travelers in foreign lands are usually asked to “Stand down and hold still until an authority arrives.” Instead of being asked to hand over their weapons and accompany the guards as helpless prisoners to an uncertain fate.  This results in public debate over possible criminal activity and usually a negotiated settlement.

Freedom of thought is accepted, you can think what you want and speak your mind, in your own home. However general freedom of speech is not usually tolerated. Watch what you say in public or risk serious charger, from slander to treason. The idea of censorship is closely tied to all printed material, because written words are intended to be shared and may travel far and wide.

In more general terms, one’s freedom depends on his culture. As Vendorius observed; the most freedom is usually linked with the most barbaric and dangerous society, while the safe and secure nations tend to have more laws and limitations.

What is the best balance of law and freedom?   

All states impose restrictions on their people. They must do this to carry out the basic tasks they are mandated to perform; defending the realm from external danger and keeping the peace between the people. The endless question is; what is the best balance between centralized control and anarchy?

Hobberus would claim that the state must be strong and centralized, because if it offered too much freedom, it would be unable to perform its duties. Most Dwarves nod agreement here, taking comfort in rules carved literally in stone. 

Lockellenus would claim that a state should interfere as little as possible in the lives of its people. They should be allowed to settle almost every matter among themselves. Most Elves agree with his idea, as they practice a hyper democracy too close to anarchy for the taste of Humans.