Hi,
But, ultimately, it is the golden rule, in a self serving way, that generates the concept of 'rights'. The self serving realization that to get part of the royal power for yourself, the easiest route is to get it for all the barons. That to keep your affairs from being investigated on a whim, the best course is to require a warrant to investigate anyone's affairs. Why Runnymede? Because it only took a few (say four, or so) English barons to equal the strength of John. Why was there no French Runnymede? Because the power of the king was much greater, that of each noble much smaller -- it took the power of the multitude.
And, though the vote isn't in, studies in game theory, and especially in the prisoner's dilemma game, are beginning to show that the self serving version of the golden rule may be best strategy for a society.
Might does make right, but what Hobbes failed to consider is that that might may be spread over a handful of barons, or a few hundred Sons of Liberty, or a full nation of downtrodden peasants. And in every case, the group gains and defends its rights by granting them to each member of the group.
--Pete
Quote:If might makes right, then as Hobbes wrote, life is the state of perpetual war with each of us against the other.Because Hobbes assumes, incorrectly I think, that without some inherent rights it becomes every man for himself. He joins the throng that think that the golden rule comes from god or from some other higher authority (call it 'nature').
But, ultimately, it is the golden rule, in a self serving way, that generates the concept of 'rights'. The self serving realization that to get part of the royal power for yourself, the easiest route is to get it for all the barons. That to keep your affairs from being investigated on a whim, the best course is to require a warrant to investigate anyone's affairs. Why Runnymede? Because it only took a few (say four, or so) English barons to equal the strength of John. Why was there no French Runnymede? Because the power of the king was much greater, that of each noble much smaller -- it took the power of the multitude.
And, though the vote isn't in, studies in game theory, and especially in the prisoner's dilemma game, are beginning to show that the self serving version of the golden rule may be best strategy for a society.
Might does make right, but what Hobbes failed to consider is that that might may be spread over a handful of barons, or a few hundred Sons of Liberty, or a full nation of downtrodden peasants. And in every case, the group gains and defends its rights by granting them to each member of the group.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?