5.1 Consent and Thomas Hobbes

Introduction to Enlightenment Political Theory

  • Focus on the 3rd Enlightenment Tradition: Social Contract

  • Previous traditions:

    • Utilitarian: maximizing happiness

    • Marxist: addressing exploitation

  • Social Contract: centered on the idea of consent to form government

    • Implies existence of a pre-governmental state

State of Nature

  • Discussion of life without government:

    • Experience from a failed state: violence and brutal living conditions

    • The idea of humiliation without structure or authority

  • Perspectives on human nature:

    • Some believe humans are inherently good and would manage without a central authority

    • Reference to John Locke's views on America as a state of nature

Core Concepts of Social Contract Theory

  • The idea of consent is foundational:

    • Impacts of consent on governance

  • Historical context of social contract theory:

    • Originator: Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)

    • Key work: "Leviathan" (1651) - written in English for political impact

Hobbes' Perspective on Government

  • Importance of rational agreement:

    • Claims that the consent spoken of is what rational individuals would agree to for their safety

    • Not a literal agreement with government but an understanding among people to relinquish power to state

  • Critique of Universities and Merchants:

    • Hobbes critiques the influence of Aristotle and the misinformation from merchants that misguide public perception

Hobbes' Description of the State of Nature

  • Characterization of the state of nature:

    • Lack of industry, creativity, culture, navigation, and social structures

    • Life described as: solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short

  • Conclusion: acceptance of absolute sovereignty to escape a chaotic state of nature

Limitations on Sovereign Power

  • Conditions under which sovereign limits exist:

    1. Subjects shouldn't be obligated to die for the sovereign

      • Sovereign orders could be disobeyed if they compromise personal survival

    2. Obligation to obey ceases if protection is not provided

  • Historical context of Hobbes' life:

    • Wrote amidst the English Civil War; his views shaped by personal experiences of conflict

    • Suggested allegiance could shift depending on the king's ability to protect subjects

Conclusion of Hobbes' Social Contract Theory

  • Sovereignty accepted under conditions of no death orders and adequate protection

  • Hobbes provides a rational for why people may consent to a powerful sovereign for security and stability in society.