Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan"

Definition

'Leviathan' is a political treatise published in 1651 by philosopher Thomas Hobbes, which argues for a strong, centralized authority to prevent chaos and ensure peace and security in society. Hobbes introduces the concept of the social contract, where individuals surrender certain freedoms to a sovereign power in exchange for protection and order, emphasizing the need for absolute authority to maintain stability in a turbulent world. This work laid the foundation for modern political philosophy and influenced the development of state theories during the 18th and 19th centuries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Leviathan' presents a bleak view of human nature, arguing that individuals are inherently selfish and driven by their desires, which can lead to conflict in the absence of a strong governing authority.
2. Hobbes believed that the establishment of a sovereign power was necessary to prevent society from descending into chaos, famously stating that life without government would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.'
3. In 'Leviathan', Hobbes described the ideal government as one that is absolute and indivisible, capable of enforcing laws and maintaining order through its authority.
4. The work sparked debates on the legitimacy of government power and individual rights, influencing later thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who proposed alternative views on governance and the social contract.
5. 'Leviathan' not only addressed political theory but also contributed to discussions on ethics and human nature, making it a foundational text in Western philosophy.

Review Questions

• How does Hobbes' view of human nature in 'Leviathan' inform his arguments about the need for a strong central authority?
  • Hobbes believes that human beings are naturally selfish and competitive, driven by their desires which can lead to conflict when left unchecked. This perspective shapes his argument that without a strong central authority to impose order and enforce laws, society would descend into chaos. Thus, he contends that people must enter into a social contract, surrendering some freedoms to a sovereign power that ensures peace and stability.
• Discuss how 'Leviathan' reflects the political context of 17th-century England and its relevance to later political thought.
  • 'Leviathan' was written during a time of political upheaval in England, particularly during the English Civil War. Hobbes' call for a powerful sovereign emerged as a response to the chaos and disorder experienced during this period. His ideas would later influence Enlightenment thinkers who reexamined the relationship between individuals and government, shaping modern democratic principles while also prompting debates about individual rights versus state power.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Hobbes' 'Leviathan' on modern political theory, particularly regarding concepts of governance and individual rights.
  • 'Leviathan' has had a profound impact on modern political theory by establishing foundational ideas about governance, authority, and individual rights. Hobbes introduced the concept of the social contract as a means for legitimizing governmental power while highlighting the necessity of an absolute authority for societal stability. These ideas sparked extensive debate among subsequent philosophers like Locke and Rousseau, who argued for more democratic forms of governance that considered individual rights. The tension between Hobbesian views on absolute power and the advocacy for personal liberties continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about state authority and civil rights.

Related terms

Social Contract:

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and accept certain moral and political obligations in exchange for protection and social order.

Absolute Monarchy:

A form of government where a single ruler holds complete authority over the state, with no legal or political constraints on their power.

Natural State: The hypothetical condition of humanity without any political authority or social structures, characterized by competition, fear, and self-interest.