GO171 Hobbes Terms

Science: The systematic pursuit of knowledge based on reasoning and definitions, particularly in understanding causes and effects. For Hobbes, science is necessary for constructing political philosophy.

Names: Arbitrary human-made signs used to classify things and communicate. Hobbes emphasizes the importance of clear definitions to avoid confusion and disputes.

Reckoning: The process of reasoning, or adding and subtracting names and concepts to arrive at conclusions. Hobbes sees reasoning as akin to mathematical computation.

Religion: A human construct arising from fear of the unknown and curiosity about causes. Hobbes sees religion as historically rooted in human anxiety about the future.

True Religion: Religion that aligns with reason and supports the sovereign's authority. Hobbes associates true religion with obedience to civil laws rather than personal interpretation of divine will.

Superstition: False beliefs based on ignorance and irrational fear, often manipulated by individuals for power. Hobbes sees superstition as a major threat to political stability.

Appetite: is the desire for something good, and

Aversion is the avoidance of pain or harm. Resistance against things that are bad

Deliberation: The process of weighing appetites and aversions before making a decision. It ends when a person resolves to act.

Will: The final determination of the mind to act based on deliberation. Hobbes rejects the idea of free will, arguing that all actions are determined by prior causes.

Power: The ability to secure future goods. Hobbes sees power as central to human nature, as individuals constantly seek to maintain or increase their power to ensure security.

Felicity (Happiness): A state of continual success in satisfying desires. Unlike Aristotle, Hobbes does not view happiness as a final end but as a never-ending pursuit of satisfaction.

Good / Evil: Relative concepts based on individual desires and aversions rather than objective moral standards.

Right of Nature (Jus Naturale): The innate right of every person to do whatever is necessary for self-preservation. This leads to conflict, as everyone has equal right to everything.

Law of Nature (Lex Naturalis): A rational principle derived from reason, directing 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 in strength and intellect, leading to competition and conflict in the state of nature.

Freedom: The absence of external constraints. In the state of nature, people have unlimited freedom, but this leads to chaos. In society, freedom is limited by laws for the sake of security.

State of Nature: The hypothetical condition before government, where there is no authority to enforce laws. It results in a "war of all against all" (bellum omnium contra omnes).

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

Covenant: A type of contract in which at least one party's obligation is delayed.

Covenant of Mutual Trust: The foundational agreement by which people form a society, giving up their natural rights in exchange 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, such as conquest, but still ensures peace and order.

Common-Wealth (Commonwealth): The organized political community formed when individuals surrender their rights to a sovereign in exchange for peace and protection.

First Law of Nature: Seek peace, and if peace is not possible, use all means necessary to defend oneself.

Second Law of Nature: Be willing to lay down one's natural rights as long as others do the same, enabling social cooperation.

Third Law of Nature: Keep covenants (contracts), as breaking agreements undermines trust and order.

Monarchy – Rule by one person, where sovereignty is vested in a single individual. Hobbes argues that monarchy is the most effective form of government because it minimizes internal division, allows for consistent decision-making, and aligns the ruler’s interests with those of the people.

Aristocracy – Rule by a small group of people. Sovereignty is held by a select few. Hobbes sees this as less stable than monarchy because it is prone to factional disputes.

Democracy – Rule by the many, where sovereignty rests with an assembly of all citizens. Hobbes considers democracy unstable because it leads to disagreement, inefficiency, and eventual collapse into anarchy or tyranny.

Tyranny – A monarchy that people oppose. According to Hobbes, "tyrant" is just a name people apply to a sovereign they dislike, rather than a separate form of rule.

Oligarchy – A negative label for aristocracy when people believe the rulers act unjustly or for their own interests.

Mob Rule (Anarchy) – Hobbes does not use the term "mob rule" explicitly, but he does describe democracy as vulnerable to factionalism and chaos when the people rule without strong leadership. He fears that unchecked democracy can lead to civil war.

Justice (Just Laws): Justice exists only where there is a common power to enforce laws. In the state of nature, there is no justice or injustice because there is no law.

Good Laws: Laws that promote the peace and security of the commonwealth. Laws should be clear, necessary, and aligned with the sovereign’s authority.

Natural Religion: The belief in a divine power derived from reason rather than revelation. Hobbes supports a state-controlled religion to maintain order.

Government Legitimacy: Hobbes sees all forms of government as legitimate if they maintain order and protect the people