Fear

Definition

Fear is an emotional response to perceived threats or danger, driving individuals to protect themselves from harm. In the context of political philosophy, especially regarding social order and human behavior, fear plays a crucial role in motivating individuals to form a social contract. It emphasizes the instinctive reactions humans have in the absence of authority, highlighting how fear influences the need for governance and societal structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hobbes believed that fear of violent death was the primary motivator for individuals to leave the state of nature and enter into a social contract.
2. In the state of nature, individuals are driven by self-preservation, which leads to constant fear and insecurity among people.
3. Fear acts as a unifying force in society, as individuals agree to cede some of their freedoms to a sovereign authority for the sake of safety and stability.
4. Hobbes argued that without a strong governing authority, fear would reign supreme, leading to chaos and violence in society.
5. The establishment of a social contract is seen as a rational response to the fears inherent in the state of nature, creating the foundation for civil society.

Review Questions

• How does fear function as a motivating factor for individuals to enter into a social contract according to Hobbes?
  • Fear serves as a key motivator for individuals in Hobbes's view, driving them to escape the dangers of the state of nature. The constant threat of violence and insecurity leads people to recognize the necessity of establishing a social contract. This contract allows individuals to collectively agree on rules and empower a governing body that can provide protection and ensure social order, addressing their fears.
• What implications does Hobbes's concept of fear have on the nature of sovereignty and governance?
  • Hobbes's concept of fear implies that sovereignty must be absolute to effectively mitigate the chaos stemming from human instincts. A strong sovereign is necessary to instill fear in potential wrongdoers, thereby maintaining peace and preventing conflict among citizens. This understanding shapes how governance is approached, emphasizing the need for centralized authority to manage fears within society.
• Evaluate the relationship between fear in the state of nature and the development of civil society in Hobbes's philosophy.
  • In Hobbes's philosophy, fear in the state of nature serves as both a catalyst for change and a fundamental reason for forming civil society. The chaotic environment characterized by fear prompts individuals to seek security through a social contract, which leads to structured governance. This transformation illustrates how fear not only highlights the deficiencies in human nature but also drives collective efforts toward establishing order, ultimately facilitating the evolution from an anarchic state to a functioning civil society.

Related terms

Social Contract: An implicit agreement among individuals to create and abide by a set of rules and norms in exchange for protection and social order.

State of Nature: A hypothetical condition that describes human existence without political authority, characterized by chaos, conflict, and a lack of security.

Sovereign: A supreme ruler or authority that possesses the power to enforce laws and maintain order within a society.