Leviathan

Definition

The Leviathan is a metaphor used by Thomas Hobbes in his 1651 work of the same name, representing a powerful and absolute sovereign that emerges from the social contract to maintain peace and order in society. This concept emphasizes the necessity of a strong centralized authority to prevent chaos and conflict, highlighting the tension between individual liberties and collective security.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hobbes argued that without a Leviathan, human life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short' due to the natural state of war among individuals.
2. The Leviathan's power must be absolute to effectively maintain peace; Hobbes believed that divided authority would lead to chaos and instability.
3. In Hobbes' view, individuals consent to surrender some of their freedoms to the Leviathan in exchange for protection and the establishment of social order.
4. Hobbes's Leviathan is often interpreted as a justification for authoritarian rule, where the sovereign is above all laws and cannot be challenged by the subjects.
5. The concept of the Leviathan has influenced modern political thought, raising questions about the balance between individual rights and state power.

Review Questions

• How does Hobbes' concept of the Leviathan illustrate the relationship between individual freedoms and collective security?
  • Hobbes' concept of the Leviathan demonstrates that in order for individuals to enjoy safety and order within society, they must be willing to relinquish some personal freedoms. The Leviathan acts as an all-powerful sovereign that enforces laws and maintains peace, which prevents conflicts that arise from natural human tendencies. This trade-off underscores the fundamental tension between individual liberties and the need for a strong centralized authority.
• Discuss how Hobbes’ depiction of the Leviathan justifies absolute sovereignty in governance.
  • Hobbes' depiction of the Leviathan justifies absolute sovereignty by arguing that only an all-powerful ruler can effectively prevent chaos and maintain social order. He believed that divided authority would lead to civil unrest and war, thus necessitating a sovereign who holds supreme power. This notion challenges democratic ideals by positing that a strong central authority is essential for ensuring peace, making it difficult for subjects to oppose or limit governmental power.
• Evaluate the implications of Hobbes' Leviathan on modern political theory regarding individual rights versus state authority.
  • The implications of Hobbes' Leviathan on modern political theory are significant as they spark ongoing debates about the balance between individual rights and state authority. While Hobbes advocates for a powerful sovereign to maintain order, critics argue that this could lead to tyranny or oppression. The discussions around Hobbes' ideas have shaped contemporary views on governance, suggesting that while security is important, protecting individual rights is equally essential in a just society.

Related terms

Social Contract: An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules for mutual benefit and protection.

Sovereignty: The supreme authority within a territory, allowing a government to govern without interference from external powers.

Natural State: A hypothetical condition in which individuals exist without organized society, characterized by freedom but also by constant conflict and insecurity.