hobbes Flashcards
strand
traditional con
importance
human nature / state in providing order
Hobbes proceeded conservatism with his work of ‘ leviathan ‘ in 1651 set out some key ideas that was consistent with and inform key principles off
conservatism , particularly relation to human nature and the role of the state
Hobbes argued that in the absence of a strong state , human life would inevitably fall into a state of constant conflict and competition for resources and power , it would be
” solidarity , poor , nasty , brutish and short “
this wad due to Hobbes belief that humans are ruthless , calculating and inherently driven by their
basic instincts for survival and self interest which would lead too the conflicting with each other
Hobbes therefore argued that a strong state is necessary in order to prevent the
chaos and conflict in the state of nature
believes it is necessary for individuals to give up some of their individual rights to a sovereign state so that it can
provide order and security
this state the ‘ leviathan ‘ should posses the power to enforce
laws and maintain peace thus preventing the chaos of a state of nature
he stated
” how could a state be governed or protected in its foreign relations if every individual remained free to obey or not to obey the law according to his private opinion “
the idea that strong governance is crucial to ensure societal stability and security is a concept that introduced later con thinkers , Hobbes emphasis on order and security , and the role of the state in achieving these ends influenced
the conservative trust in established institutions and their skeptics of radical change that could destablsiise the social order
once established Hobbes argued that the authority of the state count and shouldn’t be challenged stating that
” the sovereign power cannot justify be questioned or opposed once it has been established “
