The Seatbelt Law, By Thomas Hobbes, And Jean Jacques Rousseau

INTRODUCTION Every day millions of people around the United States commute daily to work, and to run their errands. In almost every state in the United States, wearing a seatbelt is required. Many people ask why they should have to wear a seatbelt in their private vehicles, while others agree that everybody definitely should wear their seatbelt. Should the government be able to create and enforce this laws such as this one on the public? This paper will discuss the seatbelt law, the views of philosophers Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and whether or not this law is ethical. THOMAS HOBBES Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was an English philosopher who is best known for his work in political ethics. Hobbes had a pessimistic view of the human race, however his theory has been used as a major influence on western political views. In 1651, Thomas Hobbes wrote Leviathan, in which he states that life before government was violent, brutal, and barbaric. Hobbes continues on to argue that civil peace and social unity are best achieved by the establishment of a commonwealth through social contract. Leviathan consisted of four books: 1.) Of Man, 2.) Of Commonwealth, 3.) Of a Christian Commonwealth, and 4.) Of the Kingdom of Darkness. The first book contains the philosophical context, while the second book outlines the rights of the citizens within the commonwealth. The third book argues against certain scriptures, and whether or not a person can claim supernatural