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Refuting Thomas Hobbes Essay - 1495 Words

In order for Hobbes to promote the necessity of a governing sovereign, it is paramount that he dismisses any objection against his argument. During his argument, Hobbes introduces a sceptic view of his third law of nature. If Hobbes is unable to dismiss this view, his third law of nature will not stand, and conversely his argument will fall. I argue that although Hobbes is unable to sufficiently dismiss the sceptics challenge in its entirety, Hobbes is able to defend his third law of nature, and therefore maintain the necessity of a governing sovereign. In order to prove this, I will first outline and elaborate the significance of Hobbes third law of nature. Then I will illustrate the challenge posed against Hobbes third law of†¦show more content†¦The fool suggests that sometimes there are cases when it is in ones best interest not to fulfil their end of a covenant. The fools scepticism challenges Hobbes to find an answer as to why it is always in ones best interest t o keep ones promises, namely, ones end of a covenant. The fools argument rest on the premise that ones actions should always benefit him, which entails that sometimes there are cases when it is rational to act against what Hobbes defines as a natural law, a natural law that is indispensable for Hobbes theory to move forward. In response to the fools challenge, Hobbes distinguishes and dismisses between four possible scenarios in which the fools argument is applicable. I will first distinguish the four scenarios, which I label as: (1), (2), (3), and (4), then I will outline how Hobbes dismisses each scenario. And finally, I will argue whether Hobbes is able to provide sufficient grounds to dismiss each scenario. The scenarios are: (1) acting first in the state of nature, (2) acting first in a governed society, (3) acting second in the state of nature, and (4) acting second in a governed society. Hobbes forfeits (1) to the fool because he agrees that it would not be rational to act first in the state of nature. There are no guarantees that the second party will not renege in the state of nature. Further,Show MoreRelatedThomas Hobbes And Nicholas Machiavelli Essay1481 Words   |  6 Pages Thomas Hobbes and Nicholas Machiavelli embarked on the journey to create. Although depicted as nasty realists, closer reading into Machiavelli and Hobbes reveal the aspirations of idealists. Idealists who dared to imagine a different world, a world wherein man is not depraved and fallen — but is rather able to create. In effect, these idealist exalted man’s abilities rather than man’s depravity and banishment from the garden of eden. Machiavelli acknowledged that the practice of creating a politicalRead MoreBriefly Explain What Is Meant by the â€Å"Scientific Revolution† That Took Place in Seventeenth Century Europe, and How It Marked a Departure from Ancient and Medieval Philosophy.1603 Words   |  7 PagesNewton, and others had become noted scientists.    Compare and contrast the positions expressed by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke regarding natural law and government, and discuss the influences that their works had on the development of political thought both during their own time and later? The two main political philosophers during the seventeenth century were Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Hobbes is the well-known author of â€Å"Leviathan,† and Locke is the author of â€Å"An Essay Concerning Human UnderstandingRead MoreAdam Smith and the Reasoning Behind his Thoughts on the Wealth of Nations1616 Words   |  7 Pagescomes in part from Thomas Hobbes Social Contract where it is necessary for the state to command above all authorities in order for society to exist. Smith is demanding a â€Å"social contract† of sorts in that he states the need for self-interest in order to maintain the greatest social good in a free market economy. This thought process can be seen in the differences between Smith’s the Wealth of Nations and his earlier work the Theory of Moral Sentiments. Essentially, Smith is refuting the suggestion ofRead MoreThe Wealth Of Nations By Adam Smith1659 Words   |  7 Pagesin part from Thomas Hobbes Social Contract where it is n ecessary for the state to command above all authorities in order for society to exist. Smith is demanding a â€Å"social contract† of sorts in that he states the need for self-interest in order to maintain the greatest social good in a free market economy. This thought process can be seen in the differences between Smith’s the Wealth of Nations and his earlier work the Theory of Moral Sentiments. Essentially, when Smith is refuting the suggestionRead MoreEssay about Alls Fair In Love And War2175 Words   |  9 Pagesis no legitimate and superior authority to preside over all nations. As such, the key idea, which political realists argue is that since there is no overriding international authority, universal morality cannot exist. Noted political theorist Thomas Hobbes expressed this idea clearly when he declared Without an international governing body to legislate codes of conduct, no morality can exist†¦where there is no common power †¦ there is no law: wh ere no law†¦ no justice†¦ If there be no power createdRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 PagesSelf-Contradictions and Oxymorons .......................................................................... 285 Inconsistency with Presuppositions ................................................................................................ 287 Refuting General Statements by Finding Counterexamples........................................................ 290 Resolving Inconsistencies ................................................................................................................

Climate Change And Global Warming - 1865 Words

A lot of attention has been focused on the impacts of climate change and global warming on forests, farms, freshwater sources and the economy. But what has climate change and global warming done to the ocean and the creatures that live in the ocean? Earth s oceans have been contaminated with pollution and global warming/climate change. When Earth formed about 4.5 billion years ago there were no oceans. Since then, as surface water has accumulated, the filling ocean basins have been the reaction chamber for the development of life on Earth and have played a fundamental role in the ongoing evolution of the planet s climate(Brierly et al). The effects of climate change and global warming on marine life can be seen through ocean acidification, fish migration, and the impacts on US fish industry. Climate change and global warming are two of the most serious environmental challenges to face Earth. Global warming is the constant heating of Earth s surface, including oceans and atmosphere. Climate change is both the heating and cooling of Earth. Scientists have documented the rise in average temperatures worldwide since the late 1800s. Earth s average temperature has risen by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit over the past century, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Temperatures are projected to rise another 2 to 11.5 degrees Fahrenheit over the next 100 years(Bradford). Increasing global temperatures are expected to disrupt ecosystems, pushing animals toShow MoreRelatedGlobal Warming And Climate Change974 Words   |  4 Pagesabout global warming, whether it is true or false. Is there evidence to prove that global warming has impacted the climate due to the rise in the earth’s temperature? Climate change is a problem that is worldwide that should be re viewed. The rise in the earth’s temperature has caused some impact to the weather and climate changes to many places worldwide. This rise in temperature has the potential of causing drastic changes to the earth in many ways. It is time to view the global warming concernsRead MoreClimate Change Of Global Warming924 Words   |  4 Pages Figure 0.1 shows the different effects of global warming. Global warming is the warming of our planet at an extreme rate. The Earth’s climate has warmed by 7.8OC since 1880. (Quick facts about science, 2015). What causes global warming? The cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide. This acts like a blanket. Protecting the earth, and heating the earth. Sun rays would normally bounce around the earth, but with the blanket, the sun rays heat the blanket which heats the earth. (Petersen ScienceRead MoreGlobal Warming And Climate Change1398 Words   |  6 Pages Global warming and climate change have been frequent topics of discussion over the past several years. Although people tend to focus on the politics, it is important to look past the media aspects of it into the cold hard facts of what our Earth is currently experiencing, and what has caused it in the first place. The cause of climate change includes natural causes, but human causes are what is generating such a rapid global temperature change. It’s time that the ways in which humanity affectsRead MoreClimate Change And Global Warming1060 Words   |  5 PagesClimate change (Klaus) 1000 The terms â€Å"global warming†, â€Å"climate change† or â€Å"greenhouse effect† have become more than just parts of the popular lexicon as they rather are subject of public discussions, scientific research or political debates. Despite the popularity and the ubiquity of these terms, the public’s theoretical and conceptual understanding of them and their causal relations is often based on superficial knowledge and buzzwords or caricatures outlined and depicted in several popular mediaRead MoreClimate Change : Global Warming1194 Words   |  5 PagesDonya Curtis April 19, 2017 English 1001-rough draft Global Warming Global warming is one facet of the broader term climate change. It is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth s surface air and oceans from the mid 20th century and the projected continuation. The Global warming is primarily the consequence of building up greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Emission rates for most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas, CO2, have increased 120 fold in the past 140 years. WhileRead MoreClimate Change and Global Warming1074 Words   |  5 PagesClimate change and Global Warming are out of control. This means that, no matter what policies, processes or actions are implemented, the Earth as we know it will never be the same again. There is significant evidence to support this hypothesis. The dilemma becomes whether we can limit the damage and adapt to a new status quo or not. Rising sea levels and the damage caused by this phenomenon has irreversible impacts on coastlines worldwide. Damage to sensitive reef systems cannot be fixed. This alsoRead MoreClimate Change And Global Warming1022 Words   |  5 PagesWhat = Climate Change Who = Emma, Aoife, Julia, Rachael, Mariah and Cà ©line What is it? Climate Change is a change in the demographic distribution of weather patterns, and related change in oceans, land surfaces and ice sheets, happening over time scales of decades or longer. It’s the world’s greatest threat. Climate change is the change in temperature over a period of time. It involves the greenhouse effect and global warming. Where is it? It is an issue affecting everyone everywhere. ClimateRead MoreClimate Change And Global Warming1474 Words   |  6 Pagesphenomenon, known as â€Å"smog† became an often daily occurrence in big, urbanized cites across the globe. Also, Al Gore’s book, An Inconvenient Truth, popularized the issue of climate change and global warming as a result of the damage that the modern world has done to the atmosphere. He noted that people resist the facts about climate change due to the inconvenience of changing their lifestyles. But, uninhibited industrialization of several countries has led to intense modernization and revolution of theRead MoreClimate Change And Global Warming928 Words   |  4 PagesThis paper will discuss climate change and global warming on the economy. The paper also gives a description on climate change and global warming. As well as what it hold for future business owners. It will also discuss what the government is doing about climate change/global warming. Climate change is a long-term shift in the statistics of the weather (including its averages). For example, it could show up as a change in climate normal (expected average values for temperature and precipitation)Read MoreClimate Change And Global Warming1630 Words   |  7 PagesClimate Related Threats Global warming will lead to uncontrollable devastation such as famine, war, and economic instability. Climate change will accelerate the dislocation of hundreds of millions of people and the extinction of many species. The negative effects of climate change are obvious on every continent. Professor Le Quere, director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia said, The human influence on climate change is clear. The atmosphere and

Evaluation of Economic Decisions

Questions: 1.Economic Models are False and so Government should Ignore their Predictions. Explain, discuss and evaluate the accuracy of this statement. 2.Using the Economics or Other Literature (but not the textbook) to Identify Estimates of the Price Elasticity of Demand for at least three different Products. Provide full Citations for the Employed Literature. Comment on the magnitudes of these estimates in relation to the standard economic determinants of the Price Elasticity of Demand. Answers: Economic Models 1.Today, economic models have become a major component in decision making in the modern economy. Generally, these models are used by the federal and local governments for analysis and evaluation of economic decisions. Particularly, these models are useful in making forecasts about the performance of various activities in the country. They also enable agents in the economy to carry out simulations of different economic scenarios to achieve specified results. Furthermore, they are useful in forecasting the implications of economic policies initiated by the government to the performance of the general economy. For this reason, it is imperative for one to argue that economic models are an essential component in the functioning of the general economy, and their predictions should be implemented by governments to attain economic efficiency. 2.Primarily, economic models offer a useful foundation for governments to formulate production decisions. Particularly, models such as the production possibility frontier (PPF) provides useful information on the possible combination of two products that can be produced within the country, given the available set of factor inputs (PPF, n.d.). Using this model, government agents can determine the production tradeoffs of the economy. Also, using its resources it can establish the optimal point of production. In the process, they can discern the different combinations products that can be produced within the economy. This way, the nation can attain production efficiency given a particular production set amidst the scarcity of resources. In this regard, the use of the PPF in making predictions about production is useful as it allows the country to produce efficiently and use its resources in the best way possible. The Production Possibility Curve Source: (Khan, n.d.). In addition to this, economic models help the government in making decisions about international trade. To be specific, the concept of comparative advantage is applied by economic agents to determine the countrys area of specialization (Beggs, 2014). Basically, this model allows decision makers to determine which product to specialize production on, given that it has a comparative advantage over its trading partners. As such, a country has a comparative advantage over another if it can manufacture the commodity at lower cost others. Therefore, given the economys natural resources and factor endowments, policymakers can determine the products to specialize in for international trade (Comparative Advantage, n.d.). Likewise, the model enables decision makers to determine which products the country has a comparative disadvantage in, and thus decide to import. By specializing in a product, the nation can reap more benefits from trade. In turn, this highlights the usefulness of economic mo dels in making viable predictions for government implementation. Furthermore, these models are useful in the determination of a states absolute advantage. Predominantly, absolute advantage pertains to the capability of one country to produce higher quality products at a faster rate than others. For this reason, a nations absolute advantage or disadvantage plays a significant role in the type of products that it produces. Specifically, this concept is adopted by the government to determine commodities that it can produce better and faster than its trading partners in the international community (Khan, n.d.). Consequently, the country can devote resources and manpower in the production of goods that it has an absolute advantage and import those products that it has an absolute disadvantage. Consequently, this saves time and resources. Besides, the nation benefits more from trading in a good that it has an absolute advantage than when it trades in a commodity that it has an absolute disadvantage. Example Country A Country B cars 20 25 Trucks 5 10 Source: (Beggs, 2014). In this example, country A can produce 20 cars or 5 trucks while country B can produce 25 cars or 10 trucks. In this case, B has an absolute advantage in producing both products but a comparative advantage in producing trucks since it is relatively better in producing trucks (Beggs, 2014). Above all, economic models are important in making predictions about the effects of economic policies implemented by the government. From the model of the circular flow of income, economic agents can understand the extensive coordination and interconnectedness between households, firms, and the economy in general. Through this model, one can establish that any changes in tax policies, interest rates, investments affect the entire economy. With this in mind, it can implement policies that have minimal effects on the households and firms. Therefore, economic models are vital and should not be ignored. Instead, the government should adopt them in decision making to achieve efficiency in the economy. Price Elasticity of Demand Typically, price elasticity relates to the sensitivity of consumers to variations in the price of a commodity. According to the law of demand, as the price of a commodity rises, its demand declines ceteris paribus (Khan, n.d.). Estimating PED PED = Percentage change in quantity demanded Percentage change in price Price Elasticity of Luxury Goods Typically, luxury goods have a relatively elastic demand. Thus, a proportionate change in the price of the good results in a greater change in its demand (Moffatt, 2016). Example Suppose the price of a refrigerator changes by 20 percent and the demand changes by 40 percent. PED = 40/20 ep= 2.0. Interpretation. A slight increase in its price brings about a substantial decline in its demand. The magnitude of the elasticity is 2. Hence, every time the price of the product changes by one unit, its demand changes by 2.0 units. Consequently, it can be deduced that the product is relatively elastic. Price Elasticity of Essential Products Markedly, basic goods and services have a relatively inelastic price elasticity. Explicitly, a unit change in the price of the product results in a less than proportionate variation in its demand (Mulugeta et al., 2013). Example Assume that the price of salt increased by 20 percent. Despite the increase in price, the demand for the commodity declined by 10 percent only. PED = 10/20 ep= 0.5 Interpretation The magnitude of consumers responsiveness to changes in the prices of salt is 0.5. Therefore, when the price of salt increases by one unit, its demand drops by only 0.5 units. For this reason, it can be concluded that the product has a relatively inelastic demand. Unitary Price Elasticity of Demand A product has unitary elasticity if a unit change in its price results in a unit change in its demand (Russo et al., 2013). In reality, there are no products that have a unitary elasticity. However, a close example is clothing, whose supply and demand changes proportionately to variations in price. Example Assume the price of a shirt changes by 20 percent. Likewise, its demand changes by 20 percent. PED = 20/20 ep = 1 Interpretation The magnitude of the elasticity is 1. Thus, a change in the price of a shirt by one unit will result in a variation in its demand by 1 unit. Therefore, the shirt has a unitary elasticity of demand. References Beggs, J. (2014). Absolute and Comparative Advantage. ThoughtCo.com. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/absolute-and-comparative-advantage-1146792. Comparative Advantage. Library of Economics and Liberty. Retrieved from https://www.econlib.org/library/Topics/Details/comparativeadvantage.html. Khan, S. Comparative Advantage and Absolute Advantage. Khan Academy. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/economics-finance-domain/microeconomics/choices-opp-cost-tutorial/gains-from-trade-tutorial/v/comparative-advantage-and-absolute-advantage. Khan, S. Price elasticity of demand. Khan Academy. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/economics-finance-domain/microeconomics/elasticity-tutorial/price-elasticity-tutorial/v/price-elasticity-of-demand Moffatt, M. (2016). Price Elasticity of Demand. ThoughtCo.com. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/price-elasticity-of-demand-overview-1146254. Mulugeta, D., Greenfield, J., Bolen, T., Conley, L. (2013). Price- and Cross-Price Elasticity Estimation using SAS. SAS Global Forum. Retrieved from https://support.sas.com/resources/papers/proceedings13/425-2013. Production Possibility Frontiers. Economics Online. Retrieved from https://economicsonline.co.uk/Competitive_markets/Production_possibility_frontiers.html. Russo, C., Green, R., Howitt, R. (2013). Estimation of Supply and Demand Elasticities of California Commodities. Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics University of California, Davis. Retrieved from https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/files/pdf/DemandSupplyElasti