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Political Science → Thomas Hobbes Philosophy
Thomas Hobbes (1558-1679)
Born in England, Hobbes witnessed a tough childhood. Owing to his rude personal experiences, he was convinced that troubles of his time had parallels in the past. Following his graduation Hobbes became tutor of Cavendish Family including William Cavendish. He remained in exile, under threats and influence owing to his ideas. His work Leviathan was first sought by his pupil Prince of Wales Charles II. In his latter years, when Charles brought throne to England, Hobbes was given place in court.
Hobbes method of study was influenced by science and maths. He understood everything in terms of motion which he thought had three philosophical parts: physical phenomenon, knowledge and sensation, social phenomenon. He thought that solutions can be found in scientific way. His Theory of Motion is not of physical science. It is based upon psychology.
Hobbes’s view on Nature of Man and State of Nature – He believes that controlling factor in human life is the inner force that compels man to seek his own self interests. Peace is possible only through an understanding of forces which mild human nature. Good and evil are mere terms for objects which men like and dislike. As chief object is self-preservation so, greatest good is security and greatest evil is insecurity.
Power guarantees security. Power is limited but its desire is unlimited. This creates conflict among men. Each seeks own advantage at the expense of others. This is man’s nature. He is individualistic, fearful, and competitive. These inclinations put society into a war of every man against every man.
Establishment of Leviathan
Hobbes believes that man is selfish but also reasonable creature. His chief interest is security and chief fear is death. This makes him to cooperate and accept some terms. Hobbes gives his Theory of Social Contract against the Theory of Divine Right. Thus, he surrenders himself to a greater force in return for security. Hobbes gives two commonwealths formed as a result of contract: one, Commonwealth of Institutions wherein people voluntarily surrender and second, commonwealth of Acquisition wherein sovereign takes control by force.
Fear is agency behind both. For peace man needs to submit and follow sovereign’s command which is law. The Laws are sovereign made and not natural.
Leviathan is not government by consent. Men are not to be involved in law making. There is no agreement. Sovereign can commit inequity but not injustice or injury. People have to accept. Hobbes gives sovereign absolute power in judicial as well as executive realms. His sovereignty and rule are indivisible. He gives three forms of commonwealth: monarchy, aristocracy and democracy. He prefers monarchy.
Liberty has practical rather than moral end. Wise ruler will rule equitably to avoid reversal to state of nature. Hobbes is more concerned about sovereign’s power than security with freedom for the latter relaxes sovereign.
Among diseases of the commonwealth Hobbes enumerates: freedom, property, nongovernmental associations, pluralism, and church. All these shall be subordinated to the will of sovereign. He disregarded Roman Catholic Church for it stood in the way of sovereign. Sovereign should also be head of religious community.