Rationalist Beliefs Of Human Nature

At its core, human nature, outlines the views and essence of the three normative traditions (realist, rationalists and revolutionists). Human Nature outlines power and its role in the fundamental international political condition. Realism sees human nature as inherently egoistic and driven by violence. Realism is rooted in a permanent and unchanging human nature which is basically self-centred, self-rewarding and self-interested. Ultimately, human motivation is seen to be at the root of conflict and violent conflict is a constant feature of social life . It is in this inevitable proneness for conflict ’hardwired’ in human nature, which prompts states to seek power as their primary goal and ultimately leads to wars between states . It is bread within all humans to
Power is what allows states to achieve their ultimate interests, which is self-preservation, survival and the maintenance of sovereignty. Power is stopped by power, therefore international institutions are tools of state power. The rationalists perspective on human nature is that “ humans are reasonable, can recognize the right things to do and can learn from their own and from others mistakes” . Human nature is basically good and people can improve their moral conditions. Rationalist belief in reason leads them to see human beings as a rule-cheating and rule-obeying persons ready to accept limitations on their immediate desires, for the good of themselves and of the state . Similar to how human nature is guided by rationality, power is also guided by the rationality of individuals or collective agents.Power is primarily a tool for the satisfaction of preferences and political action can be understood as a means towards the end. Humans are not innately power motivated, their violence results from wrongly organized societies and groups. Instead of power, rationalists look towards laws and a higher superior that