Chapter 4: Hobbes, the state, anarchy and savagery Flashcards
How does one escape the state of nature?
He argues that to escape the chaos and insecurity of the state of nature, individuals must enter into a social contract and create a sovereign authority to maintain peace, enforce laws, and protect their rights.
This sovereign authority, according to Hobbes, has absolute power and is essential for maintaining order and preventing the return to the state of nature.
What is Hobbes’s state of nature?
Refers to a hypothetical scenario in which human beings exist without any form of government or social contract
There is “war of all against all” as all individuals do what they can in self-preservation
What is Hobbes’s perspective on interstate wars?
Hobbes believed that wars between states were less likely than those between individuals in the state of nature.
States are not equal in strength, and individuals may prioritize self-preservation over national loyalty.
What theory does Hobbes subscribe to?
Contemporary theorists often see Hobbes as representing the realist tradition in international relations.
How does Hobbes view international politics?
Hobbes’s main focus was on domestic political authority, not international politics.
His model suggests that without a state and positive law, there can be no norms of justice, leading to a state of nature in interstate relations.
They view international politics as similar to the state of nature, characterized by conflict and perpetual danger.
How did Hobbes describe indigenous societies in the Americas?
Hobbes described indigenous societies as living in a “savage” state of anarchy, outside of politics and without a governing institution like the state.
According to Hobbes, what purpose did indigenous societies serve in his philosophy?
Indigenous societies served as an illustration of the “horror” of the state of nature in Hobbes’s philosophy, representing a barbaric past compared to Anglo-European nations.
How did Hobbes’s ideas on the state of nature justify European colonialism?
Hobbes’s ideas justified European colonialism by establishing a dichotomy between ordered European states and “savage” colonial peripheries, suggesting that European states had a right to colonize those they deemed as living in a state of nature.
What are some strengths of Hobbes’s political theory?
Clear Foundation for Sovereignty: arguing that the state must have absolute power to maintain order and prevent the state of nature from reemerging
Realistic View of Human Nature: Hobbes’s depiction of human nature as inherently self-interested and competitive is often seen as realistic
Importance of Social Contract: Hobbes’s emphasis on the social contract as the basis of political legitimacy highlights the importance of consent in governance
What are some weaknesses of Hobbes’s political theory
Authoritarianism: Hobbes’s theory has been criticized for justifying authoritarian rule, as he argues for a strong, centralized authority with unchecked power. This concentration of power raises concerns about individual rights and freedoms.
Pessimistic View of Human Nature: may be realistic to a certain extent. It ignores aspects of human cooperation, empathy, and altruism that contribute to social order and cohesion.
Limited Role of Civil Society: Hobbes’s focus on the state as the sole authority overlooks the role of civil society and intermediate institutions in governance.
How did the role of empire and colonialism
shape Hobbes’s political ideas.
The role of empire and colonialism in shaping Hobbes’s political ideas is evident in his depiction of the state of nature, his justification of European sovereignty and expansion, and his legitimization of European hegemony over colonial territories.
Hobbes’s political philosophy provided a theoretical framework that justified European colonialism by framing it as a means of imposing order and governance on ‘uncivilized’ societies.
Has Hobbes had a long-lasting impact on international relations?
Yes, especially his depiction of indigenous peoples as savages. It has affected their role in society since then
