Contracts in Nature An Examination of Hobbes
In a true state of nature, all contracts established between two separate parties are binding until they are broken or discontinued. Contracts entered under fear of death or injury are as valid as those entered in all trust and honesty. Social contracts made between a sovereign king and his subjects are binding until the will of the king or the people chooses to break it. ... I am in agreement with Hobbes that when a pact is made it is final. ... Such is the theory of Thomas Hobbes, put simply at best. Since the “fear of violent death” is born into every human, any contract entered under fear of death is a natural part of human life in a perfect state of nature. ... In this type of society, contracts between people will naturally occur. ... Hobbes conception of natural rights in a true natural state is focused around this idea of “kill or be killed.” Hobbes suggests that in a true state of nature humans live in a world where every man fights for himself. ... Therefore, in a true state of nature, contracts and covenants cannot exist unless forced upon. ... So even here, a contract entered into under fear of death is valid because, according to Hobbes, the king has complete authority over his subjects. A very important fact that must be pointed out is that all contracts are reciprocal. This is the sole reason that I agree with Hobbes on his theory that all contracts are binding, regardless of the means or the ends. ... Such is the nature of humans in both a true state of nature and as a loyal subject. ... I have stated above that the concept of a contract can be applied to men living in a state of nature and to a king and his subjects within a commonwealth.