Thomas Hobbes

when was Thomas Hobbes alive?

1588-1678

what is his famous book?

‘Leviathan’ (1651)

what are his views on monarchy?

They aren’t bound by a social contract or laws, they receive obedience in the hopes they maintain order

why would a monarch not behave corruptly according to Hobbes?

would be unwise since if the subjects feel unsafe they will deprive the sovereign of power

what does he argue about order in ‘Leviathan’?

argues the state of nature is a ‘nasty, brutish and short’ life so a ‘leviathan’ (dominant state) keeps order. Sacrificing liberty for social order is desirable

what is his view on human nature?

pessimistic - if humans were left in the state of nature they would be violent towards each other and not respect private property, but they are rational enough to seek order

how can social order be achieved?

only through a social contract to an all powerful sovereign, where all individual autonomy ceases and given to the sovereign

what is his views on the economy?

economic activity is possible only after the creation of state. The sovereign brings order and security, allowing the economy to develop