Thomas Hobbes

• Lived 1588 CE-1679 CE

• English• Fled to France• Royalist• Wrote Leviathan• Considered first

political scientist

What influenced Hobbes to think about political

science?

Translate each excerpt from Hobbes’ Leviathan. Then,

use your translations to explain how Hobbes believes

authority is formalized.

What does Hobbes say about human nature?

I put for a general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death.

What does Hobbes think defines a society?

During the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that conditions called war; and such a war, as if of every man, against every man.

What does Hobbes say should guide the society?

The passions that incline men to peace, are fear of death; desire of such things as are necessary to commodious living; and a hope by their industry to obtain them.

What does Hobbes say the goal of formalized authority is?

The only way to erect such a common power, as may be able to defend [men] from the invasion of foreigners, and the inquiries of one another... is to confer all their power and strength upon one man, or upon one assembly of men.

Hobbes on how people formalize authority

• We are all naturally mean and power-hungry, and equal in that we can all kill each other

• This causes a constant state of war between people in nature

• Men fear death and don’t always want to spend their time protecting themselves from their enemies

• Because they fear death, men submit to the will of those who can best provide protection

How does Hobbes believe authority should be

formalized?

Hobbes’ Conclusion

• Authority should be formalized as an Absolute Dictatorship.

• Absolute: Unquestionable• Dictatorship: Rule by force• Formal authorities should be those

who can best ensure order and protect from invaders