On the Hypothetical State of Nature of Hobbes and Kant; Same Premises, Different Conclusions

Abstract

Although there are stable and settled strains and classifications of social contract theorists, mainly contractualist – contractarianists, hypothetical – historical, and modern – contemporary, these classifications are not always specific and distinct. In fact, the same philosopher can be listed in more than one category, depending on different evaluations and perspectives. At times, the names of the thinkers on the list of any category can be very fluid. Moreover, some philosophers, because of the sharp distinction between them, are rarely mentioned together in one list or category, as is the case of Hobbes and Kant. In this paper, I will argue that Hobbes and Kant, with all their distinctions and differences, can be listed in the hypothetical agreement list, if we consider their “state of nature” as the starting point. From this perspective, I will argue that they exhibit less diversity than is usually acknowledged.