JAMB 2019 Government · Question 32

____ is noted for having said "man by nature is a political animal"

Options

  1. A.Thomas Hobbes
  2. B.Aristotle
  3. C.Plato
  4. D.J.J Rosseau

Answer: B. Aristotle

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks who said "man by nature is a political animal." This is a famous quotation in Political Science and Government, so you need to match the quote to the right thinker.

Step 2: Explain the concept The idea means that human beings naturally live in communities and organize themselves into political societies, such as the polis (city-state). A person who lives outside society is either a beast or a god. This idea is the basis of the natural origin theory of the state.

Step 3: Go through the options

  • A. Thomas Hobbes: He is known for the social contract theory and described life in the state of nature as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short." He did not say man is naturally political.
  • B. Aristotle: He wrote Politics and argued that the state is a natural institution and man is by nature a political animal (zoon politikon). This matches.
  • C. Plato: He is known for The Republic, the philosopher-king, and the theory of justice. He is not the source of this quote.
  • D. J.J. Rousseau: He is known for The Social Contract, the "general will," and "Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains."

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is **B.

Exam tip: Link each thinker to one key phrase:

  • Aristotle → "political animal"
  • Hobbes → "nasty, brutish and short" (Leviathan)
  • Rousseau → "born free, but everywhere in chains" (general will)
  • Plato → philosopher-king (The Republic)
  • Locke → life, liberty and property

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.

Past questions © the examination body (JAMB/WAEC/NECO). DeeepSolve is not affiliated with them. Rights holders: see /copyright.