Notes on Hobbes' Leviathan

Introduction

• Thomas Hobbes: Influential political philosopher.
• Key Work: Leviathan represents a paradigm shift in political understanding.
• Methods from physical sciences applied to develop a materialist theory of human behavior.
• Important concepts: state of nature, social contract, pessimistic view of humanity.

Overview of Leviathan

• First 16 Books: Not directly political; foundational arguments are presented.
• Part I: Of Man: Develops a new science of human beings.
  • Uses Galileo's method to analyze human civilization at a fundamental level.
  • Aims to scientifically understand the basic forces motivating human behavior.

Hobbes' Materialism

• Materialist View: Human behavior is seen as bodies in motion.
• Dismisses Cartesian dualism; everything exists on a single plane.
• Goal: Understand humans to end wars and foster cooperation.

Hobbes' Psychology

• Desire as Fundamental: Desires drive behavior;
  • Appetite: moving towards something.
  • Aversion: moving away from something.
• Happiness: Continuous progress of desire.
• Self-Preservation: Will to survive governs human behavior.
• Moral Relativism: Good and evil are subjective; depend on personal benefit.
• Importance of esteem and recognition leads to conflict.

State of Nature

• Hypothetical Condition: A war of all against all.
• Life in the state of nature: "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
• Fundamental Equality: No one can dominate others without fear of reprisal.
• Insecurity: Lack of common power leads to uncertainty and competition.

Rights and Laws of Nature

• Right of Nature: Self-preservation through any means necessary.
• Laws of Nature: Universal principles discovered through reason; aim for peaceful coexistence.
  • First Law: Seek peace; second Law: Limit rights to coexist.

Creating the State

• Social Contract: Individuals agree to form a political society.
• Sovereign: Represents the state; has absolute power to maintain order and security.
• Authorisation: Individuals authorize the sovereign to act on their behalf.
• Types of Sovereignty: By institution (contract) or by acquisition (conquest).

Rights of the Sovereign

• Sovereign has extensive powers for peace and security.
• Obedience Required: Subjects must obey laws set by the sovereign.
• Self-Preservation: Individuals retain the right to self-defense even under a sovereign.
• Tension arises from the sovereign's ability to impose death.
• Right of Resistance: Possible under certain circumstances (e.g., danger to oneself).

Religion in Leviathan

• Importance of Religion: Essential role in Hobbes' philosophy;
  • Connects materialism with a Calvinist interpretation of Christianity.
• Power of Church: Subordinate to the state to avoid conflict.

The Frontispiece

• Depicts Hobbes' political theory; sovereign as the collective body of individuals.
• Symbolism: Sword of justice and ecclesiastical power.
• Represents secular understanding of politics; no divine right of kings.
• Legacy: Hobbes' contributions influence modern state theory and natural law.

Conclusion

• Hobbes lays the groundwork for social contract theory and modern political philosophy.
• Encouragement to explore further analyses of Hobbes and other theorists.