Abstract:

The doctrine of the state of nature, especially that of Hobbes's, is one of the most essential components in modern political philosophy, moral philosophy and social theory. It is the natural man and the state of nature, and their relationship that constitute the basis of modern thoughts. The doctrine of the state of nature puts an end to the classical understanding of human nature but it does not do away with normality, only it is now somewhat obscure and indescribable. In response to Li's discussion on the state of nature, this paper tries to demonstrate that Hobbes's state of nature is not just a battle ground of human natures or a paradoxical state of human rights, but in fact, it contains certain positive moral implication. That is to say that Hobbes's natural rights are not just subjective rights but also bear the traditional meaning of objective right It is the natural right, not the original contract that constitutes the normal basis of Hobbes's political philosophy.On one hand, the existence of individual "natural rights" depends on sovereign power. That is the objective rightness side of natural rights. On the other hand, natural rights cannot be artificially created by the state. They are dictated by human nature for it is not just "matter" that can be reformed or transformed arbitrarily. Human nature has its own "form" and participates in its own right in constructing political life.

Key words: morality, the state of nature, state, natural right