Thomas Hobbes

Question 1

Which type of conservative was Thomas Hobbes?

Answer 1

Thomas Hobbes was a traditional conservative.

Question 2

What was Thomas Hobbes’ view on human nature?

Answer 2

Thomas Hobbes argued in ‘Leviathan’ 1651 that individuals are ‘selfish, driven by restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security’
(hence the need for a Leviathan state to maintain law and order)

Question 3

What were Thomas Hobbes’ view on the state?

Answer 3

Hobbes held the view that the people come together in a social contract to create a sovereign. This sovereign has absolute power, a ‘leviathan’ state.
(allowing human nature to flourish since humans are selfish, driven by restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security, thus must be restrained)

Question 4

What were Thomas Hobbes’ view on society?

Answer 4

Hobbes believed that there can be no ‘society’ without a state, life until then will be ‘nasty, brutish and short
(allowing human nature to flourish since individuals are selfish, driven by restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security, thus individuals within a society must be restrained)

Question 5

What were Thomas Hobbes’ view on the economy?

Answer 5

Hobbes argued that constructive and enduring economy activity is impossible without a state guaranteeing order and security
(allowing human nature to flourish since individuals are selfish, driven by restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security, thus must be restrained in the economic realm to succeed)