UGC-NTA NET Political Science – Political Thought: Thomas Hobbes

May 28, 2016 December 27, 2024

Thomas Hobbes was a very important figure in the development of modern political philosophy. His ideas on human nature, the social contract, and the necessity of a strong sovereign authority have shaped political thought for centuries. Hobbes’ works continue to be studied for their vital information about governance, authority, and the nature of human beings.

Biographical Information

Full Name – Thomas Hobbes
Birth – April 5, 1588, in Westport, England
Death – December 4, 1679, in Hardwick Hall, England
Education – Attended Magdalen Hall, Oxford, where he studied classics and philosophy.
Influences – His thoughts were influenced by the scientific revolution and philosophers like Galileo and Descartes.

Key Works

Leviathan (1651)

This is Hobbes’ most important work.
The title refers to a biblical sea monster, symbolising the power of the state.
It argues for a social contract and the necessity of a strong sovereign.

De Cive (1642)

Focuses on civil society and governance.
Explores the relationship between individuals and the state.

De Corpore (1655)

Discusses materialism and human nature.
Examines the physical basis of human thoughts and actions.

Behemoth (1680)

Published posthumously.
Analyses the English Civil War and its implications for governance.

Philosophical Concepts

State of Nature

Describes a pre-political condition characterised by chaos.
Life in this state is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
Humans act out of self-interest and fear.

Social Contract

An agreement among individuals to form a society.
Individuals relinquish certain freedoms for security and order.

Sovereignty

Advocates for an absolute sovereign, termed the Leviathan.
The sovereign’s role is to maintain peace and prevent civil war.
Authority must be undivided and absolute.

Human Nature

Materialism

Hobbes believed that all phenomena, including thoughts, can be explained physically.
This view underpins his understanding of human behaviour.

Egoism

Humans are fundamentally self-interested.
Actions are driven by fear and desire.

Fear of Death

Central to Hobbes’ concept of human behaviour.
The fear of death necessitates a strong authority to ensure safety.

Political Authority

Absolute Monarchy

Hobbes argues for a strong, centralised authority to prevent chaos.
The sovereign’s power is justified by the need for security.

Legitimacy of Power

Power comes from the consent of the governed.
Once established, the sovereign’s authority is absolute and unchallengeable.

Critique of Other Thinkers

Against Aristotelianism

Hobbes rejects the notion that humans are naturally social beings.
He sees the state of nature as a place of conflict rather than community.

Contrast with Locke

Locke views the state of nature as relatively peaceful.
Hobbes, in contrast, emphasises violence and chaos.

Contrast with Rousseau

Rousseau advocates for democracy and natural goodness.
Hobbes argues for the necessity of a strong government to maintain order.

Legacy and Influence

Hobbes is regarded as one of the founders of modern political philosophy.
His ideas influenced later thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Karl Marx.
His work on social contract theory has shaped discussions on sovereignty and authority.

Key Terms

Leviathan: The symbolic representation of the state and its power.
Social Contract: The agreement forming the basis of society and governance.
Sovereignty: The ultimate authority in a political community.
State of Nature: The hypothetical condition of humanity without government.
Materialism: The belief that everything can be explained physically.
Egoism: The idea that individuals act primarily in their self-interest.
Absolute Authority: The concept of undivided and unquestionable power.

Important Quotes

“The life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
“Covenants, without the sword, are but words.”
“The condition of man… is a condition of war of everyone against everyone.”