Homer Simpson Goes To Washington
American Politics Through Popular Culture
Joseph J. Foy
First annotation on .
4 quotes
Chapter 2
- Parity creates the genuine hope of subduing our competitors, which further embroils us in our struggle to gain the upper hand against them. Hobbes vividly continues: From this equality of ability arises equality of hope in the attaining of our ends. And therefore if any two men desire the same thing, which nevertheless they cannot both enjoy, they become enemies; and in the way to their end … endeavor to destroy or subdue one another. And from hence it comes to pass that where an invader has no more to fear than another man's single power, if one plant, sow, build, or possess a convenient seat, others may probably be expected to come prepared with forces united to dispossess and deprive him, not only of the fruit of his labor, but also of his life or liberty. And the invader again is in the like danger of anotherMay 31 2024 1:59AM
- Thus any advantage one person may achieve in the state of nature ultimately makes him a target. Others will soon conspire against him. Thus retaliation and re-retaliation is a never-ending cycle that breeds fear, contempt, revenge, mistrust, and more fear.May 31 2024 2:00AM
- Locke believes that our interests are better served by the state due to three interlocking facts about human persons and our relationship to the moral law. First, understanding the (normative) laws of nature requires time, effort, and skill, but not everyone is able or willing to commit to grasping them. Second, people are often clouded by self-interest in applying the law and meting out appropriate punishments for infractions of it. Third, even if some individuals accomplish fair and impartial application of the law, not everyone will be able (for various reasons) to execute punishment. These three facts make life in the state of nature unstable and uneasy (although not nasty, brutish, and short).May 31 2024 3:04AM
- By entering into the social contract, individuals agree not to punish infractions of the moral law themselves; we transfer that power to the state. We thereby agree to uphold the laws of the state generally. However, we are bound to this agreement on the condition that the state works to preserve our liberty and property, which is the common good. But recall that Locke interprets “property” in a broad sense. This includes all that we have a right to—our lives, health, limbs, liberty, and estates. Therefore, when the government extends its power beyond the common good, which is the joint preservation of our basic rights, and begins to infringe on our property (and thus happiness), our duty to recognize the government's authority is rendered null and void.May 31 2024 3:06AM