PRESENTS

Thomas Hobbes

1588-1679

Inspirations

Galileo

Hobbs was entranced with Galileo’s reverse vision of dynamics- the natural state of objects is to be in motion rather than restHobbes applied this theory to social philosophy:

-of Body: related the general laws of motion

-of Man: show how humans can be considered bodies in motion (motivated by sensations, desires, appetites, etc.)

-of Citizen: show how humans interacted with each other in relation to the body public

Leviathan (1651) • Hobbs masterpiece • “man is not naturally good, but naturally a selfish hedonist”• To maintain a peaceful society, a Leviathan must be

worked into the social contract.• Leviathan is the State (an absolute monarch or a

democratic parliament)• The important point is that the State will be given a

monopoly on violence and absolute authority.  In return, the State promises to exercise its absolute power to maintain a state of peace (by punishing deviants, etc.)

• power legitimates, power is justice. The State -- whatever its form -- is always, by definition, right, as long as it is capable of maintaining civil peace. 

Right of Nature vs. Law of Nature

Law of Nature: “requires” us to do what we believe we need to do in order to survive……but this just means that we will do what we believe we need to do in order to survive.

Right of Nature: “allows” us to do what we believe we need to in order to survive……but this just means that there is no law forbidding us from doing what we believe we need to do inorder to survive……but this just means that it is not the case that we will not do what we believe we need to in order tosurvive.

The State of Nature

• Self-preservation requires utilizing natural resources and - if necessary - using force to take them from others. Conflict was inevitable where resources were scarce or where arrogant people tried to dominate and exploit others. Since people are roughly equal in physical strength and intelligence, this struggle could never be resolved.

STRUGGLE!

The Covenant

• Hobbes thought the way to escape this was for everyone - except the sovereign - to renounce their right and to promise to use their power in support of the sovereign's decisions. (That sovereign could be a single person or an assembly).

• Once everyone has agreed to accept and enforce the sovereign's decisions, it will be possible to impose peace and order.

Quotes from the Leviathan

• 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.

• To this war of every man against every man, this also in consequent; that nothing can be unjust. The notions of right and wrong, justice and injustice have there no place. Where there is no common power, there is no law, where no law, no injustice. Force, and fraud, are in war the cardinal virtues.