Thomas Hobbes’s “Leviathan,” first published in 1651, is a foundational text in political philosophy. The book’s full title is “Leviathan or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Common-Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil.” In it, Hobbes argues for the necessity of a strong central authority to avoid the chaos and violence of what he calls the “state of nature,” where life is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
Key points in “Leviathan” include:
- State of Nature: Hobbes describes the state of nature as a pre-political condition where individuals have unlimited freedom, leading to a “war of all against all.”
- Social Contract: To escape the state of nature, individuals collectively agree to surrender some of their freedoms to a sovereign authority in exchange for security and order.
- Sovereignty: Hobbes argues for an absolute sovereign (a monarch or assembly) with the power to enforce laws and ensure peace. This sovereign authority is not bound by the social contract and has ultimate control over all aspects of life.
- Human Nature: Hobbes views humans as inherently self-interested and driven by desires for self-preservation and power. This pessimistic view of human nature underpins his advocacy for a strong, controlling government.
- Religion: Hobbes discusses the role of religion in society, arguing that the sovereign should have authority over religious practices to prevent conflict and maintain order.
“Leviathan” remains influential in discussions of political authority, the nature of human beings, and the justification for the state.