Kant Vs Hobbes Essay

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The ideology between philosophers Kant and Hobbes differ in terms of how one another look at the way society treats government. They particularly have opposing views when it comes to the topic of punishment. In general terms Hobbe’s ideology was highlighted in the Leviathan that our society is self centered, that we have a “natural condition” of man where we have the ability as humans to cause complete and total anarchy. Comparing his theory to savagery prior to the formation of government, he states that we need higher forms in order to prevent physical harm to one another. Therefore his belief that with the using of government constructs we, as humans are able to function effectively in physical security. His belief is that society should …show more content…

Hobbes is a believer in deterrence. He believes is that the presence of police or any higher authority controls society. Kant does not discredit this theory. They clash on the subject of punishment in regards to violating the law or committing crimes. Hobbes is a believer in brutal punishment, such brutal punishment that is be considered torturous. His ideology centers on the fact that you in a sense lose your rights when you chose to go against the government and fail to be an obedient citizen. This is an extreme idea and Kant goes back to his categorical imperative theory and states that criminals are not necessarily bad people, but people who have chosen to do bad things. He believes retributional justice is the answer, which is what you get what you earn in life and to punish those criminals they must endure dignified punishment. Tortuous punishment isn’t the answer like Hobbes would believe but Kant believes the punishment must fit the crime. Kant places more value on morality that the law as opposed to Hobbes. Kant believes in balance when it comes to punishment, that we as humans should discuss to another and explain what is right and wrong as opposed to Hobbes that believes that we must be punished for every mistake we made. Kant is a firm believer in respect especially to

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