AW

Study Notes on Leviathan

Overview of Leviathan

  • Full Title: Leviathan, or the Matter, Form, and Power of a Commonwealth Ecclesiastical and Civil

  • Publisher: C. Richards, Printer, St. Martin's Lane, London

  • Digitized by: Google

Introduction

  • The work explores the nature of human beings and the organization of societies, utilizing social contract theory.

Structure and Theme

  • Commonwealth: Defined as a political body created through the social contract, where individuals collectively agree to surrender some freedoms for security and order provided by a sovereign authority.

Key Concepts

  • Matter and Form: The structural components and the arrangement of the commonwealth are essential for its functioning.

  • Power: Power must be understood in terms of authority and governance, raising questions about legitimacy and sovereignty.

Human Nature

  • State of Nature: Described as a scenario without civil society; individuals are in constant competition for limited resources, leading to insecurity.

  • Human Desires: Individuals naturally seek self-preservation, which can lead to conflict if not regulated by a common power.

Social Contract

  • Definition: The social contract is the agreement among individuals to form a society and establish governance.

  • Legitimacy of Sovereignty: The power of the sovereign stems from the collective agreement of the populace.

Sovereignty

  • Absolute Sovereignty: The idea that the sovereign holds ultimate authority must have unquestioned power to maintain peace and security.

  • Role of the Sovereign: To create laws, enforce order, and protect citizens' rights.

  • Civil vs. Ecclesiastical Power: Distinction between civil authority and religious authority, focusing on governance without interference from religion.

Implications of Sovereignty

  • Responsibility of the Sovereign: It is the duty of the sovereign to ensure peace among citizens; failure to do so may lead to justified rebellion.

  • Hobbes’s Perspective on War: War arises not only from existential threats but from the human condition itself—self-interest and competitive desires.

Conclusion

  • Importance of Governance: The necessity for a strong, centralized authority is emphasized as vital for human flourishing.

  • Ethical Implications: Questions of morality arise concerning the trade-off between individual freedoms for safety within the commonwealth.

References

  • No specific theories or philosophical references were enumerated in the provided excerpt.