GO171 Midterm #1 - HOBBES

Science

Used by Hobbes to secure understanding through definitions and logical deduction. (Proofs in geometry)

Names

Labels assigned to humans, animals, objects. Serve as a basic for reasoning and communication.

Reckoning

Reasoning, the mental process of adding or subtracting appetites / aversions. Calculation of consequences based on prior knowledge.

Religion, True Religion, Superstition

Religion comes from humans' attempt to explain the unknown (death). True Religion is derived from a rational understanding of God grounded in obedience to sovereign. Superstition is irrational belief in supernatural leading to societal unrest.

Appetite / Aversion

Appetite is a desire or inclination toward something, Aversion is the repulsion from something perceived as harmful. Fundamental motivators of human action.

Deliberation

Internal process of weighing appetites and aversions before deciding to act.

Will

Will is the last appetite or aversion that determines a person's decision after deliberation. Point where action is determined.

Power

Means to obtain future goods or achieve their ends. Physical strength, intelligence, reputation, alliances. Natural and Instrumental power.

Felicity

Happiness, continual success in achieving desires. Not a static state: people are always in pursuit of new desires.

Good/Evil

These are subjective ideas, and refer to what each person individually desires or fears, given by appetites / aversions.

Right of Nature

The right to do whatever you need to to preserve your own life.

Law of Nature

Rational set of principles guiding individuals to seek peace for survival.

Equality

Total equality present in the state of nature, since everyone can kill everyone. Competition breeds distrust, "War of all against all"

Freedom

State of nature, free to do what you want. Results in danger and conflict.

State of Nature

Where individuals exist without a common power to impose order. War of all against all. "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."

Contract

A mutual transfer of rights between individuals. Necessary for peace. Limits certain freedoms in exchange for societal order.

Covenant

A kind of contract that involves trust over time. Both parties commit to future performance. Covenants require faith that the parties will fulfill their obligations.

Covenant of Mutual Trust

Social contract where individuals agree to mutually restrict their natural rights to establish a common authority to prevent the war of all against all.

Sovereign by Institution

Established governance through social contract, agreed upon. Sovereign holds absolute power to ensure peace and security.

Sovereign by Acquisition

Established governance through conquest. Sovereign holds absolute power to ensure peace and security.

Commonwealth

A political body created through social contract. Unity under one governing power.

First Law of Nature

Seek peace, if peace cannot be achieved, defend oneself.

Second Law of Nature

Individuals must agree to limit their natural rights to achieve peace.

Third Law of Nature

People must uphold their covenants, forming the basis of justice.

Monarchy / Tyranny

Monarchy is rule by one. Tyranny just a label dissatisfied people give the government under Hobbes rule

Aristocracy / Oligarchy

Aristocracy is rule by a few, however, oligarchy is the exercise of power beyond right by those governing.

Democracy / Mob-Rule

Democracy is the rule by the many, Mob-Rule is the devolution. Hobbes does not endorse a democracy.

Justice

Adherence to the covenant. The protect the order within the covenant.

Good Laws

Laws that are created by the sovereign for the welfare of the public and to ensure public safety

Natural Religion

The worship of God based on reason, independent of revelation. Aligns with the sovereign and supports the commonwealth by promoting obedience and peace.