Passions

Definition

In the context of Hobbes's theory of human nature, passions refer to the fundamental emotions and desires that drive human behavior. Hobbes believed that these passions are rooted in self-preservation and can lead individuals to pursue power and satisfaction, often resulting in competition, conflict, and a state of war among people. Understanding these passions is essential to grasping Hobbes's view on why individuals enter into social contracts and seek governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hobbes categorized passions into various types, such as fear, hope, and desire, each affecting human actions differently.
2. He argued that passions could lead to irrational behavior when unchecked, driving individuals to act against their own best interests.
3. In Hobbes's view, the natural state of humanity is one of constant struggle driven by these passions, leading to a 'war of all against all.'
4. The role of passions in human nature supports Hobbes's justification for a strong sovereign authority to maintain peace and order.
5. Hobbes believed that understanding passions was crucial for creating effective social contracts that address human tendencies toward conflict.

Review Questions

• How do Hobbes's concepts of passions relate to his ideas on self-preservation and human behavior?
  • Hobbes's concepts of passions are closely tied to self-preservation, as he viewed them as the driving forces behind human behavior. Passions such as fear motivate individuals to seek safety and security, while desires can push them toward acquiring power and resources. This interplay of passions leads people to form social contracts as a means to protect themselves and create a stable society.
• Analyze how Hobbes's understanding of passions contributes to his argument for the necessity of a strong sovereign authority.
  • Hobbes's understanding of passions underlines his argument for a strong sovereign authority by highlighting the chaotic nature of human interactions when driven solely by individual desires. He believed that without a powerful governing force, the competing passions of fear and desire would lead to constant conflict and insecurity. A strong sovereign is essential to regulate these passions, maintain order, and ensure collective peace.
• Evaluate the implications of Hobbes's theory of passions on modern social contract theories and their views on human nature.
  • Hobbes's theory of passions has significant implications for modern social contract theories, particularly in how they perceive human nature and governance. By asserting that individuals are driven by self-interest and conflicting passions, Hobbes challenges more optimistic views of human cooperation. This perspective influences contemporary discussions on the role of government in managing human behavior, emphasizing the need for regulations that consider inherent emotional drives while promoting societal harmony.

Related terms

Self-Preservation: The instinctual drive to protect oneself from harm, which Hobbes viewed as the primary motivation behind human actions and passions.

Fear: An emotional response to perceived threats, which Hobbes identified as a significant passion influencing human behavior and the desire for security.

Desire for Power: The intrinsic motivation to acquire control or influence over others, seen by Hobbes as a central passion that fuels competition and conflict in society.