group6 hobbes

What is Hobbes’ “state of nature”?

The pre-political condition of humanity where all are equal, free to do whatever necessary to survive, resulting in a "war of all against all."

What motivates humans in Hobbes’ state of nature?

Appetite (love) and aversion (hate), driven by fear of death and the will to survive.

How does Hobbes define good and evil in the state of nature?

They are relative to each individual’s desires: what one loves is “good,” what one hates is “evil.”

Why is life in the state of nature “nasty, brutish, and short”?

Because without authority, people act only for survival, leading to perpetual conflict and fear of violent death.

What is Hobbes’ first law of nature?

Seek peace and follow it.

What is Hobbes’ second law of nature?

Be willing to lay down your right to all things, if others do so too, for peace and self-defense.

What is the difference between in foro interno and in foro externo?

In foro interno: the inner obligation or desire for peace. In foro externo: the outward obligation to act, though not always possible in the state of nature.

Why do natural laws not always lead to peace in the state of nature?

Because acting peacefully when others don’t makes one vulnerable and risks self-destruction.

What is the purpose of the social contract?

To escape anarchy by mutually giving up the right to self-govern and transferring it to a sovereign power.

Is the social contract an agreement with the sovereign?

No, it is an agreement among individuals to authorize a sovereign.

What powers does the sovereign have in Hobbes’ theory?

Absolute, indivisible, irrevocable power to rule, embodying the will of all citizens.

Why is resisting the sovereign illogical?

Because it is equivalent to resisting oneself and reverts society back to anarchy.

How does Hobbes justify the need for an absolute sovereign?

In the state of nature, life is insecure and violent because everyone has unlimited freedom. To escape this, people mutually agree to transfer their rights to a sovereign who has absolute power. Only absolute, indivisible, and irrevocable power can prevent the return to anarchy.

What is the role of fear in Hobbes’ political philosophy?

Fear of violent death motivates humans to seek peace. Fear also underpins obedience to the sovereign, since resisting authority risks returning to the chaos of the state of nature.

Explain Hobbes’ concept of the “war of all against all.”

In the state of nature, there is no common authority, so competition for resources, distrust, and desire for glory lead to perpetual conflict. This makes life insecure, violent, and short.

Why does Hobbes believe that morality is relative in the state of nature?

Without a common authority, there is no universal law. What each person loves is “good” to them, and what they hate is “evil.” Morality becomes absolute only after the creation of the sovereign, who defines laws.

How do Hobbes’ laws of nature support the idea of the social contract?

The first law (seek peace) and second law (lay down rights for peace) show humans are rational enough to realize cooperation is necessary. The social contract institutionalizes these laws through the sovereign.

What are possible criticisms of Hobbes’ idea of the sovereign?

Critics argue that absolute power can lead to tyranny. Hobbes allows no right to rebel, even against a cruel ruler, which undermines justice and liberty. Others argue he underestimates human capacity for cooperation without coercion.

Compare Hobbes’ view of human nature with his political solution.

Hobbes sees humans as self-interested, fearful, and driven by desires. His solution mirrors this: an all-powerful sovereign is necessary to control destructive impulses. His pessimistic view of humanity justifies absolute authority.

Why does Hobbes reject the idea that the sovereign is part of the social contract?

Because the contract is made among individuals, not between them and the sovereign. The sovereign holds power by authorization, not agreement, and thus cannot be bound by the contract or overthrown.