The "state of nature" is a philosophy which examines the basis of a society rather than the circumstances of any particular civilization or culture The term is mostly used in social and political theory to consider the notion of a pre-civilization state of existence in which conflicts are resolved without the imposition of laws or fixed codes of morality. This concept is often used to examine the foundations of morality and ethics, as well as the effects of government, laws, and religion on society.
Example 1: Thomas Hobbes and the State of Nature. Thomas Hobbes was an influential English philosopher who published a book in 1651 titled Leviathan, which argued that in a state of nature, humans exist in a state of anarchy. He suggested that conflict was inevitable without the imposition of a ruling authority, which he believed was essential to maintain social order. This philosophy was used to argue against having a monarchy, suggesting that people should have a say in the kind of government they are subjected to.
Example 2: John Locke and the State of Nature. John Locke, another English philosopher, published a book in 1690 titled Two Treatises of Government which argued for a system of government that should be based on consent of the governed. Locke proposed that humans live in a state of nature which was characterized by an absence of government and law, and in which individuals exercised natural rights to life, liberty, and estate. He argued that no branch of government should be able to violate these natural rights without the consent of the governed.
Example 3: Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the State of Nature. Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a prominent French philosopher who wrote the book, The Social Contract, in 1762. He suggested that in a state of nature humans function on the basis of "natural sociability" which is rooted in our empathy for others. Rousseau argued against the imposition of laws and authority, and saw the social contract as a means to protect individuals’ freedom and autonomy.
Example 4: Immanuel Kant and the State of Nature. Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher who wrote the book, The Critique of Pure Reason, in 1781. Kant argued that in a state of nature, individuals were guided by the ‘categorical imperative’ which is a moral framework whereby one's choices should be made according to what would be best for everyone. He suggested that this framework should take precedence over any specific laws or rules which may be imposed by any branch of government.
Example 5: John Rawls and the State of Nature. John Rawls was an American philosopher who wrote the book A Theory of Justice in 1971. Rawls argued that in a state of nature individuals should be guided by the ‘veil of ignorance’ which requires one to take on a hypothetical perspective of what would be the best outcome for the society or group as a whole. He suggested that this should be the basis for any laws implemented, and that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests within the constraints of the law.