Hobbes Flashcards
What are the three text Hobbes wrote ?
The Elements of Law (1640) , De Cive (1642) and Leviathan (1651)
Why was Hobbes political thought distinctive?
One of the first thinkers to state to understand politics and how political institutions should be arrange we need to understand human natures .
What was Hobbes thought on religion and politics ?
He offered a set of arguments related to the relationship between religion and politics.
What conflict was happening in the 17th Century ?
Between King and Parliament meaning there was a conflict between church and state and a religion conflict.
What side in the conflict did Hobbes side with ?
Sided with Charles 1 where argued secular sovereign has supremacy
How does one justify the authority of a soveregin?
The ruler had a God - given right to rule and this was unlimited (Royalists) , The ruler’s right to rule is due to the consent of the governed (Radicals) and Hobbes argued the right to rule was consent and extend was unlimited.
What are Hobbes’s basic argument that absolute sovereignty is justified ?
The state of nature would be a state of war between different people. Near absolute sovereignty is the only stable and desirable alternative to the state of war. If they followed the laws of nature, individuals would accept an obligation to obey such a sovereign. Therefore absolute sovereignty is justified.
What is the state of nature , the state of war ?
This is due to individuals governed by the right of nature (fear)
What did Hobbes support and endorse?
Supported rationality and endorsed psychological egoism.
What does Hobbes say most people desire ?
Most people desire self-preservation but this may be overcome by the desire for glory
What does Hobbes say individuals desire ?
Desire power to achieve self-preservation
What are the three explanations for the State of War ?
Competitions (violence for gain) , Diffidence (violence for safety) and Glory (Violence for reputation)
What is the first law of nature ?
“that every man , ought to endeavor Peace …”
What is the second law of nature ?
“That a man be willing as others are so too to defend himself if he deem it necessary…”
What is the third law of nature ?
“that men perform their covenants made “
