Introduction to Hobbes' Leviathan

• Lecturer: James Muldoon, University of Exeter
• Focus: Thomas Hobbes' work "Leviathan" and its impact on political philosophy.

Key Concepts and Ideas

Paradigm Shift in Political Philosophy

• Materialist Theory: Use of physical sciences to develop a new understanding of politics.
• Key Concepts:
  • State of Nature
  • Social Contract
  • Pessimistic view of human nature

Structure of "Leviathan"

• First 16 books focus on human nature rather than politics directly.
• Title of First Part: "Of Man"
  • Develops a new science of human beings as a basis for politics.

Methodology

• Galileo's Method: Breaking down society into single human components.
• Mechanical Materialism:
  • Humans as self-moving matter with a mechanical apparatus.
  • No dualism of thought and matter; all bodies in motion.

Human Nature and Behavior

• Desires and Appetites: Fundamental driving forces.
  • Appetites lead towards, aversions lead away.
• Reason as Computation: Capacity for logical understanding and cause-effect relationships.
• Self-Preservation: Will to survive as a basic principle.
• Moral Relativism: Good and evil are subjective and based on individual benefit.

Social Dynamics

• Competition and Esteem: Dependency on others for recognition creates conflict.
• Self-Overestimation: Tendency to overvalue personal abilities and judgments.

State of Nature and Social Contract

State of Nature

• Hypothetical Condition: "War of all against all."
• Life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

Equality and Conflict

• Fundamental Equality: Radical idea for the 17th century.
• Suspicion and Distrust: Lack of cooperation without common power.

Laws and Rights of Nature

• Right of Nature: Self-preservation.
• Laws of Nature:
  • Seek peace.
  • Lay down right to do anything; cooperative social contract.

Creating the State

The Sovereign

• Creation of Political Society: Through a social contract.
• Representation: The sovereign as an artificial person, potentially a group.

Powers of the Sovereign

• Near Absolute Power: Includes making laws, declaring war, deciding education, banning literature.
• Sovereignty by Institution vs. Acquisition.

Liberty and Resistance

Liberty of Subjects

• Obedience to Laws: Subjects can do anything not prohibited.
• Self-Preservation: Inalienable right to defend oneself.

Resistance and Rebellion

• Right of Resistance: Possible under certain conditions (e.g., immoral commands).
• Consequences of Rebellion: Different interpretations about justifying rebellion.

Religion and Politics

Religion in "Leviathan"

• Integration with Science: Attempt to align materialism with Calvinist Christianity.
• Church Subordination: Authority of the church subordinated to the state.

Controversies and Interpretations

• Religious Belief: Hobbes' views controversial; seen as atheistic by some.

Understanding the Frontispiece

Symbolism

• Commonwealth and Sovereignty: Body politic composed of individuals.
• Sword and Crosier: Justice and ecclesiastical power.
• Triangle Symbolism: Allusion to the Holy Trinity.

Legacy and Influence

Contribution to Political Philosophy

• Secular Understanding: Shift towards secular political theory in the modern state.
• Natural Law and Social Contract Theory: Foundation for future political philosophy.