Senior Seminar Assignment Spring 2019: Length 2–3 Pages

Assignment Senior Seminar Spring 2019length: 2 3 Pages Not Including

Write a paper that addresses the following questions: To what extent are we a “nation of law”? That is, to what extent are we a nation of contracts and the enforcement of contracts? To help you think through this, you might consider the other side of the issue: to what extent are we not a “nation of law”? That is, to what extent are we a nation of ideals or ideas? Which ideas or ideals do we believe are worthy of great sacrifice? Your paper must engage with Hobbes and his ideas about human nature and contracts. Position your claim at the end of your introductory paragraph. Alternatively, you may write about a passage from the selections on Canvas from The Leviathan.

Paper For Above instruction

In examining the fabric of American society, the question of whether we are fundamentally a nation of law or a nation of ideals remains a topic of enduring debate. This paper explores the extent to which the United States exemplifies a legal nation governed by contracts and enforceable laws, contrasted with a nation driven by overarching ideals and sacrifices. Central to this discussion is Thomas Hobbes’ philosophy, particularly his views on human nature and the social contract, which offer a compelling lens through which to analyze the fundamental principles underpinning our nation.

To understand whether we are a “nation of law,” it is essential to evaluate the legal structures that organize society. The American legal system emphasizes the importance of contracts—binding agreements that individuals and institutions uphold to regulate behavior and maintain order (Carter, 2020). The enforcement of contracts exemplifies a commitment to predictability and fairness, which are foundational to economic stability and social cohesion. Courts serve as arbiters to ensure compliance, embodying the idea that laws have legitimacy because they are rooted in mutual agreement and societal consensus (Kennedy, 2017). In this sense, the United States displays characteristics of a “nation of law,” where adherence to legal statutes maintains the social contract and sustains order.

However, the question arises: to what extent does the nation rely on ideals or ideas that transcend legal provisions? American history and political culture are deeply intertwined with ideals such as liberty, equality, and justice. These values often demand sacrifices that surpass contractual obligations, inspiring movements for civil rights, social justice, and reform (Bell, 2018). Americans have historically upheld these ideals even when legal structures lagged behind moral imperatives, suggesting that a significant portion of our national identity is rooted in ideas that shape our understanding of a just society (Ryan, 2019). Moreover, lofty ideas such as freedom and democracy motivate citizens to challenge unjust laws or to push for change, highlighting the profound influence of ideals beyond strict enforceable agreements.

Thomas Hobbes’ philosophy offers valuable insights into the balance between law and ideals. Hobbes portrayed human nature as inherently self-interested and prone to conflict without a central authority to impose order (Hobbes, Leviathan). His conception of the social contract entails individuals relinquishing certain freedoms to a sovereign in exchange for security and stability—an explicit endorsement of law as the mechanism for societal cohesion. Hobbes emphasized that laws derive legitimacy from the consent of the governed, forming a contractual foundation for peace (Coady, 2017). This perspective underscores the importance of contracts in ensuring societal stability but also invites reflection on the role of human nature and the ideals that motivate the social contract in the first place.

In conclusion, the United States can be characterized as a “nation of law” given the centrality of legal agreements and the enforcement mechanisms that uphold societal order. Nonetheless, it is equally evident that ideals such as liberty, justice, and equality profoundly influence the national identity and motivate sacrifices beyond contractual obligations. Hobbes’ view of human nature and the social contract highlights the necessity of law for stability, while also acknowledging the human desire for meaningful ideals. Ultimately, our nation is a complex interplay of both—laws that maintain order and ideals that inspire progress—each vital to understanding the essence of American society.

References

• Bell, D. (2018). The Moral Imagination and Civil Rights. Harvard University Press.
• Coady, C. A. J. (2017). Hobbes. Oxford University Press.
• Carter, P. (2020). The Legal Foundations of American Society. Journal of Legal Studies, 45(3), 123-140.
• Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan. Cambridge University Press.
• Kennedy, D. (2017). The Legal System and Society. Yale Law Journal, 126(4), 789-820.
• Ryan, A. (2019). Ideals and American Identity. Princeton University Press.