The significance of morality and optimism on human nature. (OCR A-Level Politics): Revision Notes

34.2.1 The significance of morality and optimism on human nature.

The Significance of Morality and Optimism on Human Nature

The Normality of Peace and the Laws of Nature

Peace is considered the natural state of affairs in human interactions, suggesting that conflict is not inevitable. The belief here is that the laws of nature inherently dictate harmony and cooperation between people. War, from this perspective, is seen as both unnatural and irrational, an aberration from the natural order that disrupts the inherent potential for peaceful coexistence.

Human Reason and the Potential for Peace

A significant aspect of this optimistic view of human nature is the faith in the power of human reason and the capacity of individuals to realise their inner potential. This outlook maintains hope that, through the application of reason and moral development, humanity can eventually eradicate war from human experience. This belief in the possibility of achieving lasting peace is grounded in the idea that war is not a fundamental aspect of human nature but rather a construct engineered by specific groups.

The Role of the 'Warrior Class' and Unrepresentative Rulers

According to this view, wars are not a reflexion of the true nature of the majority of people but are instead engineered by a 'warrior class' or ruling elites who pursue conflict for their own vested interests. These rulers are often unrepresentative of the general population, who are naturally peace-loving. As a result, individuals and states are often pushed into conflict by these unrepresentative leaders, rather than by any inherent desire for war.

Morality and the Regulation of Behaviour

Morality plays a crucial role in shaping human and state behaviour. It is considered wrong for states and individuals to engage in socially unacceptable or criminal behaviour, highlighting the importance of ethical standards in international relations. Universal human rights, viewed as inherent and inalienable, are central to this moral framework. These rights apply to all individuals regardless of nationality and are seen as a key route to emancipation and the regulation of state behaviour.

Universal Human Rights and the Debate on Enforcement

The concept of universal human rights is a cornerstone of this optimistic view of human nature, providing a foundation for the regulation of state behaviour. These rights are seen as crucial for ensuring that individuals are protected from the abuses of power by states. However, there is a division among liberals on how these universal standards should be enforced. Some advocate for interventionist approaches, believing that the international community has a responsibility to enforce human rights standards, while others favour non-interventionist approaches, emphasising respect for state sovereignty and cautioning against external interference.

Philosophical Foundations: Locke and Mill

The significance of morality and optimism on human nature is closely linked to the philosophical ideas of John Locke and John Stuart Mill. Locke's view of human nature is rooted in the belief that humans are rational beings capable of cooperation and peaceful coexistence. This rationality forms the basis for the optimistic belief that humans can create a harmonious society.

Mill's concept of the harm principle also contributes to this understanding. According to Mill, individuals should have the freedom to act as they choose, provided that their actions do not harm others. This principle can be extended to the behaviour of states, suggesting that intervention by the international community is justified when a state's actions harm others, thus linking individual morality with state conduct.

Conclusion