In your opinion, who has a better (more correct) depiction of the State of Nature? Clearly argue why one is superior and also demonstrate why the other version is lacking. What would you add to or remove from the State of Nature to get closer to the reality of human nature as you believe it to be?

Locke's representation of the state of nature is more realistic in a few crucial aspects compared to Hobbes' depiction of the same state of nature. To begin, unlike Hobbes, Locke does not hold the belief that people have a naturally evil or violent nature (Blau, 2020). Locke, on the other hand, is of the opinion that people are naturally good, but that they are susceptible to evil influences from their surroundings. Research in the fields of psychology and sociology provide credence to this perspective on human nature, making it the more correct of the two. Second, whereas Locke considers the state of nature to be a state of equality, Hobbes considers it to be a state of hierarchy. Both of these views may be found in their respective books. This is also truer, since previous study has shown that people have an inherent tendency toward egalitarianism. Hobbes, on the other hand, thinks that the state of nature is one of tyranny rather than freedom. Locke, on the other hand, thinks that it is a condition of freedom. Again, this is more realistic since studies have proven that it is innate for individuals to want independence and autonomy for themselves (Locke, 2020). In my opinion, Locke offers a more accurate representation of the state of nature than Hobbes does. The image offered by Locke is more accurate since it takes into consideration the reality that people are rational beings who are also capable of working together. The outlook that Hobbes presents is more dismal, and it precludes any kind of collaboration between human beings. The concept that people are capable of compassion and cooperation is one that I believe should be included to the State of Nature. I would do away with the notion that the only thing that drives mankind is their own self-interest. References Blau, A. (2020). Hobbes’s practical politics: Political, sociological and economistic ways of avoiding a state of nature. Hobbes Studies, 33(2). https://doi.org/10.1163/18750257-03302001 Locke, J. (2020). Second Treatise of Government. In Princeton Readings in Political Thought. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv19fvzzk.20