Thomas Hobbes

Definition

Thomas Hobbes was an influential 17th century English philosopher who is best known for his political theory and his work on the concept of the social contract. Hobbes' ideas had a significant impact on the development of modern political thought, particularly in the areas of political legitimacy and the duty of citizens to the state.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hobbes believed that in the state of nature, human life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short' due to the inherent selfishness and competitiveness of human nature.
2. Hobbes argued that individuals must surrender their natural rights to a sovereign authority (the Leviathan) in order to escape the state of nature and establish a stable, peaceful society.
3. Hobbes' theory of the social contract holds that individuals willingly give up some of their freedoms in exchange for the protection and security provided by the sovereign authority.
4. Hobbes believed that the primary duty of citizens is to obey the sovereign authority, even if that authority is a tyrannical ruler, as this is necessary to maintain social order and avoid a return to the state of nature.
5. Hobbes' ideas on political legitimacy and the duty of citizens to the state have been highly influential in the development of modern political theory, particularly in the areas of social contract theory and the justification of absolute monarchy.

Review Questions

• Explain Hobbes' concept of the 'state of nature' and how it relates to his theory of political legitimacy.
  • According to Hobbes, the 'state of nature' is the natural condition of humankind, which he describes as a 'war of all against all' characterized by fear, violence, and the absence of a centralized authority. Hobbes believed that in this state of nature, human life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short' due to the inherent selfishness and competitiveness of human nature. To escape this state of nature and establish a stable, peaceful society, Hobbes argued that individuals must surrender their natural rights to a sovereign authority (the Leviathan) through a social contract. This social contract, in which individuals willingly give up some of their freedoms in exchange for the protection and security provided by the sovereign, is the basis for Hobbes' theory of political legitimacy. The sovereign's authority is legitimate because it is derived from the consent of the governed, and the primary duty of citizens is to obey the sovereign in order to maintain social order and avoid a return to the state of nature.
• Analyze Hobbes' views on the duty of citizens to the state and how this relates to the concept of political legitimacy.
  • Hobbes believed that the primary duty of citizens is to obey the sovereign authority, even if that authority is a tyrannical ruler, as this is necessary to maintain social order and avoid a return to the state of nature. According to Hobbes, the sovereign's authority is legitimate because it is derived from the consent of the governed through the social contract. By surrendering their natural rights to the sovereign, individuals have a moral and legal obligation to obey the sovereign's commands, regardless of whether those commands are just or unjust. Hobbes argued that the alternative to absolute obedience to the sovereign would be a return to the state of nature, which he saw as the worst possible outcome for humanity. This view of the citizen's duty to the state has been highly influential in the development of modern political theory, particularly in the areas of social contract theory and the justification of absolute monarchy.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Hobbes' political philosophy, particularly in the context of political legitimacy and the duty of citizens to the state.
  • One of the key strengths of Hobbes' political philosophy is its emphasis on the importance of social order and stability, which he saw as essential for the preservation of human life and the prevention of a return to the state of nature. Hobbes' theory of the social contract and the citizen's duty to obey the sovereign authority provides a clear justification for the legitimacy of political power, even in the case of a tyrannical ruler. However, Hobbes' views have also been criticized for their lack of consideration for individual rights and liberties, as well as the potential for abuse of power by the sovereign. Critics argue that Hobbes' emphasis on absolute obedience to the state leaves little room for dissent or resistance, even in the face of unjust or oppressive policies. Additionally, Hobbes' conception of the state of nature as a 'war of all against all' has been challenged by some scholars, who argue that it does not accurately reflect the natural condition of humanity. Overall, Hobbes' political philosophy remains a highly influential and controversial contribution to the field of political theory, with both strengths and weaknesses that continue to be debated by scholars and philosophers.

Related terms

Social Contract: The idea that individuals agree to a set of rules and obligations in order to maintain social order and stability, with the government acting as the enforcer of this contract.

State of Nature: Hobbes' concept of the natural condition of humankind, which he described as a 'war of all against all' characterized by fear, violence, and the absence of a centralized authority.

Leviathan: Hobbes' seminal work that outlines his political philosophy, in which he argues for the necessity of a strong, centralized government (the 'Leviathan') to maintain social order and protect the rights of individuals.