GO171 Hobbes Terms

Science

The systematic pursuit of knowledge based on reasoning and definitions, essential for understanding causes and effects.

Names

Arbitrary human-made signs used to classify things and communicate, important for clear definitions to avoid disputes.

Reckoning

The process of reasoning or adding and subtracting names and concepts to arrive at conclusions.

Religion

A human construct arising from fear and curiosity about causes, rooted in human anxiety about the future.

True Religion

Religion that aligns with reason and supports the sovereign's authority, associated with obedience to civil laws.

Superstition

False beliefs based on ignorance and irrational fear, often manipulated by individuals for power.

Appetite

The desire for something good.

Aversion

The avoidance of pain or harm; resistance against things that are bad.

Deliberation

The process of weighing appetites and aversions before making a decision, ending when one resolves to act.

Will

The final determination of the mind to act based on deliberation; Hobbes rejects the notion of free will.

Power

The ability to secure future goods; central to human nature as individuals seek to maintain or increase it.

Felicity (Happiness)

A state of continual success in satisfying desires, viewed as a never-ending pursuit rather than a final end.

Good / Evil

Relative concepts based on individual desires and aversions rather than objective moral standards.

Right of Nature (Jus Naturale)

Individuals have the liberty to use their own power to pursue peace and self-preservation

Law of Nature (Lex Naturalis)

A principle derived from reason, which directs individuals toward peace and self-preservation. Unlike the right of nature, the laws of nature impose moral obligations

Equality

The natural equality of all humans mentally, physically, and the capacity to harm or be harmed, leading to competition and conflict in the state of nature.

Freedom

The absence of external constraints; unlimited in the state of nature but limited by laws in society.

State of Nature

The hypothetical condition before government, resulting in a 'war of all against all'.

Contract

A mutual agreement in which individuals transfer rights to achieve security and cooperation.

Covenant

A mutual agreement or contract between individuals where each agrees to act in a certain way for mutual benefit, typically under the condition of establishing peace and security

Covenant of Mutual Trust

The foundational agreement forming society, giving up natural rights for security under a sovereign.

Sovereign by Institution

A ruler chosen through agreement, where people voluntarily submit to authority.

Sovereign by Acquisition

A ruler who gains power through force but ensures peace and order.

Common-Wealth (Commonwealth)

The organized political community formed when individuals surrender rights for peace and protection. The commonwealth is made up of the people who surrender their rights to the sovereign. “The multitude so united in one person is called a Commonwealth, and the person, a sovereign”

First Law of Nature

People seek peace as far as possible, and if peace cannot be achieved, use all means necessary including war to defend oneself.

Second Law of Nature

One must willing to lay down their own natural rights as long as others do the same for social cooperation. Must restrain their own behavior and respect the rights of others

Third Law of Nature

Honor the agreements and covenants made with others, ensuring trust and cooperation

Monarchy

Rule by one person; argued by Hobbes to minimize internal division and ensure consistent decision-making.

Aristocracy

Rule by a small group, seen by Hobbes as less stable due to factional disputes.

Democracy

Rule by many, considered unstable by Hobbes due to disagreement and eventual collapse.

Tyranny

A monarchy opposed by the people; 'tyrant' is a label for a disliked sovereign.

Oligarchy

A negative label for aristocracy, implying unjust or self-interested rule.

Mob Rule (Anarchy)

Describes democracy's vulnerability to chaos and civil war when lacking strong leadership.

Justice (Just Laws)

A law that is created by the sovereign and is aimed at preserving peace and ensuring the security of society. Justice exists only where there is common power to enforce laws; no justice in the state of nature.

Good Laws

Laws promoting the peace and security of the commonwealth, clear and aligned with sovereign authority.

Natural Religion

Belief in divine power from reason rather than revelation; Hobbes supports state-controlled religion.

Government Legitimacy

All forms of government are legitimate if they maintain order and protect the people.