hobbes Flashcards
Who was Thomas Hobbes, and what are his notable works?
Hobbes was a 17th-century political philosopher influenced by Descartes and Galileo. His notable works includeThe Elements of Law,De Cive,Leviathan, andBehemoth.
What is Hobbes’ state of nature?
A hypothetical condition of humanity without government, marked by war, fear, and the absence of morality, where life is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
What fundamental drives define human nature according to Hobbes?
Desire, fear, sense, and the drive for self-preservation.
How does Hobbes describe human equality?
Humans are roughly equal in their ability to harm one another, through physical strength, secret machinations, or confederacy.
What are the three key sources of conflict in the state of nature?
Competition for resources, perpetual distrust (diffidence), and the desire for reputation (pride).
What is thejus naturale(right of nature)?
The liberty to act as reason dictates for self-preservation, including the right to take what one needs.
What is thelex naturalis(law of nature)?
The duty of self-preservation and collective rationality, prompting individuals to seek peace and form a state.
What is the fundamental law of nature according to Hobbes?
To seek peace when possible, but to use all necessary means for self-preservation when peace is unattainable.
What is Hobbes’ “Golden Rule”?
“Do not that to another which thou wouldest not have done to thyself.”
What is the social contract?
An agreement where individuals give up some freedoms to a sovereign (Leviathan) in exchange for security and order.
What are the characteristics of the sovereign (Leviathan)?
The sovereign is an absolute, undivided ruler who represents the collective will, controls laws, enforces order, and has the power of censorship.
How does Hobbes view fear and freedom?
Fear and freedom are compatible; individuals act freely even when obeying the law out of fear, as they still have a choice.
What is Hobbes’ perspective on international relations?
International relations exist in a state of nature, with sovereign states in perpetual jealousy and a posture of war, though not as miserable as individuals’ state of nature.
How does Hobbes define morality in the state of nature?
There is no morality, right or wrong, justice, or injustice in the state of nature; only force and fraud are virtues.
Why are covenants ineffective in the state of nature?
Without a power to enforce them, covenants are “in vain, and but empty words.”
What is Hobbes’ view of censorship under the sovereign?
The sovereign must control opinions through censorship to maintain peace, as actions proceed from opinions.
How does Hobbes justify the Leviathan’s power?
The Leviathan provides security, enabling individuals to pursue leisure, arts, friendships, and intellectual development.
What is Hobbes’ “tragedy of the commons” argument?
Without a strong ruler, individuals acting in their own interest lead to collective harm, necessitating a sovereign to enforce peace and order.
How does Hobbes’ concept of individual and collective rationality differ?
Individually, it is rational to invade others for self-preservation, but collectively, seeking peace is rational if all act the same way.
What example does the text provide for applying Hobbes’ ideas?
Analysing global climate policy conferences from a Hobbesian perspective, considering concepts like the social contract and collective rationality.
What is Hobbes’ primary obligation of the sovereign?
To ensure the security and safety of the people.
How does Hobbes describe the laws of nature?
Principles discovered through reason that dictate the need for peace and cooperation to avoid the state of nature’s chaos.
What does Hobbes say about the connection between force, fraud, and virtue in the state of nature?
Without a common power, force and fraud are considered the cardinal virtues.
