Modern Philosophy 17th 19th Centuries Questions Long
Thomas Hobbes was a prominent philosopher of the 17th century who is best known for his work on political philosophy and his views on the social contract. Hobbes believed that human beings are inherently self-interested and driven by a desire for power and self-preservation. In his famous work, "Leviathan," he outlined his philosophy and presented his views on the social contract.
According to Hobbes, in the state of nature, human life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. In this state, individuals are in constant conflict with one another, as there are no laws or authority to govern their behavior. In order to escape this chaotic and violent state, Hobbes argued that individuals must enter into a social contract with one another, surrendering some of their rights and freedoms to a sovereign authority.
Hobbes believed that the social contract is a voluntary agreement among individuals to establish a government that would have the power to maintain peace and order. This government, or sovereign, would have absolute authority and control over the people. Hobbes argued that this absolute authority is necessary to prevent individuals from reverting back to the state of nature and to ensure the stability and security of society.
According to Hobbes, the social contract is not a mutual agreement between equals, but rather a unilateral agreement where individuals give up their rights to the sovereign in exchange for protection and security. He believed that the sovereign should have the power to make and enforce laws, control the military, and have the final say in all matters of governance. This absolute authority is necessary, according to Hobbes, to prevent individuals from acting on their self-interests and to maintain order and stability in society.
Hobbes' views on the social contract were heavily influenced by his pessimistic view of human nature. He believed that without a strong central authority, individuals would constantly be at war with one another, leading to a state of chaos and insecurity. The social contract, in his view, was the only way to escape this state of nature and establish a stable and orderly society.
However, Hobbes' philosophy has been subject to criticism and debate. Critics argue that his view of human nature is overly pessimistic and that individuals are capable of cooperation and moral behavior without the need for absolute authority. They also question the legitimacy of an all-powerful sovereign and argue for a more democratic and participatory form of government.
In conclusion, Thomas Hobbes' philosophy on the social contract is based on his belief in the inherent self-interest and desire for power in human nature. He argued that individuals must enter into a social contract and surrender some of their rights to a sovereign authority in order to escape the state of nature and establish a stable and secure society. While his views have been subject to criticism, Hobbes' ideas have had a significant impact on political philosophy and continue to be influential in the study of governance and social order.