Thomas Hobbes

• State

  social contract creates the state with power vested in one body

  first philosopher in the english speaking world to outline a modern justification for the state and for government that didn't rely on religious doctrine

  Each rational individual would consent with each other to form non verbal contracts that protect both parties - they will need to authorise a specific person with power to oversee these unwritten agreements not to harm another - sovereign authority arises

  Believed in absolute monarchy - shared power may lead to instability
• Important work

  Leviathan 1651
• Examples:

  Nazi Germany

  UK - Tony Blair with his sofa government
• Human nature

  • pessimistic view
  • humans are naturally self interested and driven by the desire for self preservation
  • humans require strong governance to curb their inherent tendencies toward chaos and violence
• Human nature: Counterpoints

  1. classical liberals: humans are rational and capable of self governance, emphasising freedom and individual rights
  2. marxists: human nature is shaped by social conditions and cooperation rather than competition is inherent
• Society

  • saw society as mechanism to avoid the chaos of the state of nature
  • individuals form societies primarily for self preservation and security
  • individual better off within a society
  • provides structures and order necessary for survival
• Society: Counterpoints

  1. libertarians: society should maximise individual freedom with minimal constraints
  2. anarcho-collectivism: society should be organised without hierarchal structures, emphasising mutual aid
• Economy

  • didn't extensively address economic systems
  • emphasised role of state on maintaining order for regulated markets to ensure stability
  • without a strong government, economy can't exist
• Economy: Counterpoints

  1. neo-liberals: support free market with minimal intervention emphasising competition
  2. social democrats: advocate for regulatory oversight to ensure fairness and social justice
• Tradition

  • tradition wasn't primary focus
  • prioritised stability through authority rather than the accumulated wisdom of the past
• Tradition: Counterpoints

  1. traditional conservatives: value tradition as a foundation for stability and continuity
  2. social liberals: traditions should evolve with societal changes to remain relevant
• Equality

  • believed in natural equality in terms of vulnerability and the capacity for violence
  • he didn't emphasise social or economic equality
• Equality: Counterpoints

  1. democratic socialism: advocates for social and economic equality to promote justice and fairness
  2. libertarians: emphasise equality of opportunity without enforced outcomes