Thomas Hobbes and His Political Philosophy

A set of flashcards covering key concepts of Thomas Hobbes' political philosophy and social contract theory.

Social Contract Theory

The view that people’s moral and political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live.

State of Nature

A pre-government condition where there is no governing power, leading to a nasty state of life where men become enemies and try to destroy one another.

Coercive Power

The authority that must enforce contracts through the use of terror to ensure compliance.

Injustice

The failure to perform one's end of a contract, indicating that if there are no valid contracts, nothing can be termed unjust.

Absolute Authority of the Monarch

Hobbes's belief that the monarch should have total power to avoid disputes that could lead to war.

True Liberties of Subjects

Rights that one is not bound to obey the monarch's commands on, including rights related to self-defense, personal harm, and silence during interrogation.