JAMB 2019 Government · Question 32
____ is noted for having said "man by nature is a political animal"
Options
- A.Thomas Hobbes
- B.Aristotle
- C.Plato
- 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.
