The goal of this essay is to examine the political theories of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke as presented in their books, Leviathan and The Second Treatise of Government, through the analysis of their definitions and uses of the terms: natural equality, natural law, natural liberty and law of nature. It is important to note that Locke and Hobbes each have a different conception of human nature which is reflected in their use of these terms and in their political theories in general. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayBoth Locke and Hobbes begin with the understanding that all human beings are equal. However, each of them has a different conception of this equality and its implications on society. From Hobbes's point of view, people are all naturally equal, while some people are physically strong, others are more cunning, so that there is a balance in the power of all people in the state of nature.1 From this assumption, Hobbes concludes that the war is inevitable. When equally powerful people want something they automatically become enemies and there is nothing to stop them from fighting with the knowledge that each of them has the same opportunity to gain. On the other hand, Locke believes that humans are for the most part rational enough to recognize that they are all equal in human nature and, therefore, no one should violate the rights of another. In fact, he goes so far as to say that our natural equality is such an intrinsic part of us that it is impossible to give it up completely or see it stripped away by others. It also states that human beings will love each other just as they love themselves and that no one would harm another knowing that they are all equal; for to harm another is to cause suffering to oneself.2 Whatever their conception of natural equality and its implications for human behavior, both Locke and Hobbes believe that all human beings have a natural right to perform all acts that preserve their life, and natural freedom to exercise these rights without any restriction. In Hobbes's conception of natural rights, he goes a little further by stating that anything that a person can define as an act of preservation of life and/or simply well-being is also a right. Locke, however, specifically mentions that natural freedom is the freedom to be governed exclusively by the laws of nature and by nothing and no one else. Therefore, in Locke's perspective there are boundaries of the laws of nature to be considered within natural freedom. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Having established these notions of natural equality, rights, and liberties, Hobbes concludes that in light of these rights and equality, humanity will never reach a state of security and stability. The first law of nature he introduces states that one should seek peace as long as one knows one can achieve it. From this law, Hobbes derives the second law of nature, according to which as long as the promise of peace exists, a person must give up his "right to all things, and be content with as much liberty against other men as he would grant to other men against" . itself." Thus, Hobbes argues that the only reasonable laws that people can follow to ensure their own security and stability is to collectively set aside their natural rights and redefine their freedom in terms of what they will allow others to do, and accordingly to themselves. These laws Hobbes lays the foundation for the,.3