Hobbes Flashcards
What is Thomas Hobbes’ conception of human nature?
Humans are rational but fundamentally self-interested, driven by desires for self-preservation, power, and resources.
What does Hobbes describe the state of nature as?
A state of perpetual war, leading to a life that is ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.’
What compels individuals to act against one another in the state of nature?
Fear of attack and the absence of trust.
What are the laws of nature according to Hobbes?
Laws that reflect what humans must choose due to their rational nature and self-interest.
What is the First Law of Nature as proposed by Hobbes?
Seek peace when possible; when it is not, use all necessary means to protect oneself.
What is the Second Law of Nature according to Hobbes?
Agree to mutually transfer certain natural rights to a sovereign in order to establish peace.
What does the Third Law of Nature entail?
Honor covenants made with others, as this is essential for the stability of society.
What is the role of the Leviathan in Hobbes’ social contract?
To serve as a single, absolute sovereign to whom individuals surrender their natural rights for peace.
What does Hobbes argue about the division of authority?
It risks conflict and a return to the state of nature.
How does Hobbes define liberty?
The absence of external impediments.
What do individuals gain by sacrificing certain freedoms under the Leviathan?
Security and peace.
True or False: Hobbes views the restriction of negative liberty as unnecessary for survival.
False.
What does Hobbes argue about the natural equality of men in terms of body and mind?
Hobbes argues that men are naturally equal in body and mind, with differences in strength or intellect being insignificant in the grand scheme, as the weakest can still pose a threat to the strongest.
What leads to conflict between men, according to Hobbes?
Hobbes identifies three causes of conflict: competition (for gain), diffidence (for safety), and glory (for reputation).
How does Hobbes describe life without a common power to keep men in check?
Life without a common power is a state of war, described as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short,” where there is constant fear and danger of violent death.
What is Hobbes’ view on justice and injustice in the state of nature?
In the state of nature, where there is no common power, there is no concept of justice or injustice because there is no law; only force and fraud are prevalent.
What is the first fundamental law of nature, according to Hobbes?
The first fundamental law of nature is that every man should seek peace, and, when peace cannot be attained, he may use all means necessary to defend himself.
How does Hobbes define the right of nature (jus naturale)?
The right of nature is the liberty each man has to use his power to preserve his own life and act in accordance with his judgment and reason.
What happens if men break a covenant in the state of nature?
In the state of nature, covenants are invalid if there is no common power to enforce them, as there is no assurance that either party will perform their part.
What is the role of a commonwealth, according to Hobbes?
The commonwealth is established to protect individuals from the condition of war, where a sovereign holds power to ensure peace, enforce covenants, and protect the people from both internal and external threats.
What does Hobbes mean by “the Leviathan”?
The Leviathan represents the sovereign power in a commonwealth, created by individuals who covenant with one another to give up their individual rights in exchange for peace and protection.
Why does Hobbes believe men cannot live in peace without a sovereign?
Hobbes argues that without a sovereign, men are driven by natural passions like pride, revenge, and partiality, which lead to constant conflict. A sovereign power is needed to ensure peace and the performance of covenants.
What is the relationship between justice and covenants in Hobbes’ theory?
Justice, for Hobbes, consists in keeping covenants. In the state of nature, without a common power to enforce covenants, there can be no concept of justice or injustice.
How does Hobbes view the creation of a commonwealth?
A commonwealth is created when individuals come together, through a covenant, to submit their wills and judgments to one sovereign, who acts in the interest of peace and common defense.
