What is the origin of civil society?

Translation: quotations from Samuel von Pufendorf are quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes); quoted in Andrew Tooke's 1735 English translation, not his original words.

OCR: 11 cited passage(s) are machine-read (OCR) text of old printings; quotations reproduce the stored OCR text, misreadings included.

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): Samuel von Pufendorf believed that the propriety of things arose from civil government, after the state of nature was passed and gone. This belief is grounded in his argument that during the state of nature, no man could call a field his own and consequently not sell it. [1]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): Samuel von Pufendorf believed that the origin of dominion or property, and by extension civil society, comes from an agreement among men. He argued that property became distinct when sons separated into families, driven by emulation between brothers and the need for individual industry to benefit oneself. This process was gradual, beginning with items of immediate use and requiring industry, and expanding over time as directed by human inclination and numbers. "Therefore the Property of things came then to be diftind, when by Confent of the Father the Sons fell into feparate Families; which Separation was undoubtedly owing to the Emulation between Brothers; and to another good Reafon, that everyone's own Induftry might be his own Advantage" [2]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): Samuel von Pufendorf believes that the true origin of civil government is not from the bare reverence of the law of nature, nor from the sole force of arbitrators or covenants, but from a need for a much more severe restraint than the law of nature alone. He argues that men's natural love of self over company, along with differences in opinion and other prejudices, necessitate a stronger form of governance to secure peace. (key quote above) [3]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): Samuel von Pufendorf believed that the origin of civil society lies in the necessity for men to join together for mutual defense against the wickedness of others. He argues that this union of wills and strength is necessary to form a civil state, and that it is produced by intervening covenants. [4]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): Samuel von Pufendorf believed that the origin of civil society is through two covenants and one decree, which is necessary for the union and succession in the institution of commonwealths. He argues that covenants or agreements are essential for the formation of a civil state, regardless of the type of government. "Method ot producing and conftituting a civil Ties as they are after the State is actually let" [5]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): Samuel von Pufendorf believes that the origin of civil society is not solely due to the love of company or the natural inclination to a civil state, but rather stems from the need for a more severe restraint than the Law of Nature alone, as well as the examination of the nature of civil society and the disposition of those who compose it. He argues that the true origin of civil government must be understood through an inquiry into the nature of civil society and the disposition of its members. [6]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): Samuel von Pufendorf believed that civil society was not adopted because of a natural inclination, but because people were driven by the fear of greater evils. He argued that individuals gave up their natural freedom to be under governance, which often required them to sacrifice private good for the public good. [7]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): Samuel von Pufendorf believed that if all things were created for man and if all men have will and power to hurt one another, civil society would have been established. He argued that supposing men had continued in a state of innocence, they would have established a positive law or civil society. [8]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): The passage shows that Samuel von Pufendorf believed the origin of civil society was due to the injustice and invasions of rights by the first men, which necessitated submission to some power to settle and establish their rights and pretensions. He argues that if men had been content with their own rights and not invaded those of their neighbors, the world would have enjoyed undisturbed peace and liberty. [9]
• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): Samuel von Pufendorf believed that civil society was established for particular reasons, which he discusses in his work. He argues how and why civil society was established, indicating his view on its origin. "How and why Civil Society was efta-bliflid, vii. I. 7." [10]

What cuts against it

• BELIEF (undated; OCR of an old printing; quoted in Basil Kennett's 1729 English translation (with others; 4th edition, with Barbeyrac's notes)): Samuel von Pufendorf believed that the advantages of human life are derived from mutual help among people, which is essential for human survival and well-being. He argued that without such mutual aid, humans would be in a miserable and vulnerable state. [11]

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. Samuel von Pufendorf argued that the origin of civil society is not from natural inclination but from necessity.

2. He stated that civil society arises because individuals are driven by the fear of greater evils and the need for mutual defense.

3. He emphasized that the true origin of civil government is the need for a more severe restraint than the law of nature alone.

4. This necessity is due to men's natural love of self over company and the differences in opinion that make peace difficult.

5. Therefore, the formation of civil society is a response to the inherent flaws and vices in human nature. (inference)

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: DIRECT

Extrapolation: Samuel von Pufendorf believed that civil society originated from the necessity for mutual defense and the need for a more severe restraint than the law of nature alone. He argued that individuals formed civil societies not because they naturally inclined toward them, but because they were driven by the fear of greater evils and the need to secure peace.

Competing readings: One reading is that civil society arises from natural inclination and mutual aid, as suggested in some of his writings. Another reading is that it is a response to the inherent flaws in human nature, which is supported by his arguments about the need for severe restraint. The record itself supports both readings, but the latter is more emphasized in his detailed arguments.

Confidence: Moderate. The record provides direct statements about the necessity for civil society, but the competing readings suggest some ambiguity in his views.