hobbes

Question 1

Who was Thomas Hobbes, and what are his notable works?

Answer 1

Hobbes was a 17th-century political philosopher influenced by Descartes and Galileo. His notable works includeThe Elements of Law,De Cive,Leviathan, andBehemoth.

Question 2

What is Hobbes’ state of nature?

Answer 2

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.”

Question 3

What fundamental drives define human nature according to Hobbes?

Answer 3

Desire, fear, sense, and the drive for self-preservation.

Question 4

How does Hobbes describe human equality?

Answer 4

Humans are roughly equal in their ability to harm one another, through physical strength, secret machinations, or confederacy.

Question 5

What are the three key sources of conflict in the state of nature?

Answer 5

Competition for resources, perpetual distrust (diffidence), and the desire for reputation (pride).

Question 6

What is thejus naturale(right of nature)?

Answer 6

The liberty to act as reason dictates for self-preservation, including the right to take what one needs.

Question 7

What is thelex naturalis(law of nature)?

Answer 7

The duty of self-preservation and collective rationality, prompting individuals to seek peace and form a state.

Question 8

What is the fundamental law of nature according to Hobbes?

Answer 8

To seek peace when possible, but to use all necessary means for self-preservation when peace is unattainable.

Question 9

What is Hobbes’ “Golden Rule”?

Answer 9

“Do not that to another which thou wouldest not have done to thyself.”

Question 10

What is the social contract?

Answer 10

An agreement where individuals give up some freedoms to a sovereign (Leviathan) in exchange for security and order.

Question 11

What are the characteristics of the sovereign (Leviathan)?

Answer 11

The sovereign is an absolute, undivided ruler who represents the collective will, controls laws, enforces order, and has the power of censorship.

Question 12

How does Hobbes view fear and freedom?

Answer 12

Fear and freedom are compatible; individuals act freely even when obeying the law out of fear, as they still have a choice.

Question 13

What is Hobbes’ perspective on international relations?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

How does Hobbes define morality in the state of nature?

Answer 14

There is no morality, right or wrong, justice, or injustice in the state of nature; only force and fraud are virtues.

Question 15

Why are covenants ineffective in the state of nature?

Answer 15

Without a power to enforce them, covenants are “in vain, and but empty words.”

Question 16

What is Hobbes’ view of censorship under the sovereign?

Answer 16

The sovereign must control opinions through censorship to maintain peace, as actions proceed from opinions.

Question 17

How does Hobbes justify the Leviathan’s power?

Answer 17

The Leviathan provides security, enabling individuals to pursue leisure, arts, friendships, and intellectual development.

Question 18

What is Hobbes’ “tragedy of the commons” argument?

Answer 18

Without a strong ruler, individuals acting in their own interest lead to collective harm, necessitating a sovereign to enforce peace and order.

Question 19

How does Hobbes’ concept of individual and collective rationality differ?

Answer 19

Individually, it is rational to invade others for self-preservation, but collectively, seeking peace is rational if all act the same way.

Question 20

What example does the text provide for applying Hobbes’ ideas?

Answer 20

Analysing global climate policy conferences from a Hobbesian perspective, considering concepts like the social contract and collective rationality.

Question 21

What is Hobbes’ primary obligation of the sovereign?

Answer 21

To ensure the security and safety of the people.

Question 22

How does Hobbes describe the laws of nature?

Answer 22

Principles discovered through reason that dictate the need for peace and cooperation to avoid the state of nature’s chaos.

Question 23

What does Hobbes say about the connection between force, fraud, and virtue in the state of nature?

Answer 23

Without a common power, force and fraud are considered the cardinal virtues.