Thomas Hobbes: An Overview

Introduction

• 17th century English philosopher
• Focus on the obedience to rulers and the justification for revolutions

Contextual Background

• Influenced by the English Civil War (1642-1651)
• Civil War led to the deaths of around 200,000 people
• Hobbes was 64 when the war began and wrote extensively after 60
• His early life included a traumatic event where his father abandoned the family due to a fight

Key Work: Leviathan

• Published in 1651
• Presents arguments for obeying government authority to avoid chaos
• Offers a conservative viewpoint shaped by the context of political instability

Political Theories in the 17th Century

Divine Right of Kings

• Traditional belief that kings were appointed by God
• Subjects should obey monarchs based on divine authority

Social Contract Theory

• Emerged as a counter-argument to divine right
• Asserts that power comes from the people who grant authority to rulers
• Subjects should only obey rulers if governance is beneficial

Hobbes’ Perspective

• Critiqued both the divine right of kings and social contract theory
• Atheist, concerned about the implications of social contract theory leading to potential revolts
• Witnessed the beheading of King Charles I, which influenced his views on authority

State of Nature

• Concept where no government exists
• Believed it would lead to chaos: "nasty, brutish, and short"
• People form governments out of fear of disorder

Arguments for Obedience

• Submission to authority is necessary to avoid chaos
• Only justifiable protest against a ruler is if one’s life is directly threatened
• Criticism of a ruler’s actions (like high taxes or suppression) is not sufficient cause for rebellion
• Emphasized that the consequences of no government are worse than poor governance

Conclusion

• Hobbes had a dark, cautious view of human nature and government
• His ideas remain relevant in discussions on authority and rebellion
• Important to recognize the relationship between protection and obedience as outlined in Leviathan
• Hobbes’ work serves as a cautionary tale in the context of revolutions for liberty that go wrong.