Machiavelli and Hobbes

Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527)

Florentine diplomat, author, philosopher, and historian who lived during the Italian Renaissance. Compares himself to Columbus: what Columbus did in the geographical sphere, Machiavelli aspired to do in philosophy.

What does Machiavelli say about evil?

Evil is politically more significant and fundamental.

The problem of dirty hands

Machiavelli’s teaching that states that one must learn to get their hands dirty in politics because it is simply inevitable. A political leader must learn how to be successful in a terrible world. ‘A political leader must learn how not to be good.‘

Machiavelli’s view of humans

Humans are egoistic, ungrateful, fickle, false, and cowardly. They may only be trusted in times of peace. He claims that people are good only when it is in their own interest to do so.

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)

17th century English philosopher, best known for his 1651 book ‘The Leviathan‘ and the formulation of the social contract theory.

How did the 1640s English civil war affect Hobbes?

Hobbes was deeply distressed by this outbreak and spent a considerable amount of time pondering why it happened. Later he Fled to France where he would later tutor the future King Charles VII.

The State of Nature

A condition in which there is no politics, no community, and no common norms of behaviour. Thus, also no morality. The predominant feeling in this state is fear for one’s life. A war of all against all.

What is the objective of the State?

To protect individuals from death at the hands of others.

The Sovereign

An impersonal rule, an artificial person, a product of art or will, a representative of the people.

The differences between Hobbes and Aristotle: view of humans

Hobbes has a very pessimistic view of humanity: humans are materialistic, they only seek self-preservation, they are bodies in motion, machines. Hobbes believes that the main human impulse is negative - the desire to avoid evil, especially violent death. Aristotle values humans: he believes in Eudaimonia - a full realization of a good life. Aristotle believes the main human impulse is positive - to act in accordance to the soul, with complete or perfect virtue.

The differences between Hobbes and Aristotle: view of politics

Hobbes holds a methodological, scientific account of politics. Aristotle thinks of politics as prudence - practical philosophy.

The differences between Hobbes and Aristotle: view of art

For Hobbes, art is the commonwealth, the state, it creates an artificial person, a new kind of nature. For Aristotle, art imitates, presupposes nature.