Thomas Hobbes

Definition

Thomas Hobbes was a 17th-century English philosopher best known for his social contract theory, which posits that individuals consent to form a society and give up certain freedoms for security and order. He is most famous for his work 'Leviathan', where he argues that in the state of nature, life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short', necessitating a powerful sovereign to maintain peace and prevent chaos.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hobbes believed that humans are naturally self-interested and that without a strong authority, society would descend into chaos and violence.
2. He advocated for an absolute sovereign, arguing that only a powerful ruler could ensure peace and security in society.
3. Hobbes's views contrast sharply with those of later philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who had more optimistic views on human nature and governance.
4. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern political philosophy and discussions on authority, governance, and individual rights.
5. Hobbes's theories were influenced by the English Civil War, which highlighted the dangers of political instability and conflict.

Review Questions

• How does Hobbes's view of human nature influence his argument for a powerful sovereign?
  • Hobbes views human nature as inherently self-interested, leading to competition and conflict in the absence of authority. This belief drives his argument that a powerful sovereign is necessary to maintain peace and prevent society from descending into chaos. He posits that individuals must surrender certain freedoms to this sovereign to secure their safety and stability.
• Compare Hobbes's social contract theory with those of Locke and Rousseau regarding the state of nature and government.
  • Hobbes's social contract theory presents a grim view of the state of nature as chaotic and violent, necessitating an absolute sovereign for order. In contrast, Locke sees the state of nature as generally peaceful but recognizes the need for government to protect individual rights. Rousseau believes humans are noble savages corrupted by society. These differences highlight varied perspectives on human nature and governance among these philosophers.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Hobbes's theories on contemporary political thought, especially regarding authority and individual rights.
  • Hobbes's theories have significantly influenced contemporary political thought, particularly discussions about authority and individual rights. His argument for a strong sovereign has been foundational in debates over government power versus individual liberties. While modern democracies lean towards protecting individual rights against tyranny, Hobbes's ideas remind us of the complexities involved in balancing security with freedom in governance.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theoretical agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules, often involving a trade-off between personal freedoms and collective security.

Leviathan: 'Leviathan' is Hobbes's seminal work published in 1651, where he outlines his views on human nature, the necessity of a strong government, and the social contract.

State of Nature: A concept describing the hypothetical condition of humanity without political authority or societal norms, characterized by freedom but also danger and conflict.