Questions and Answers
What does Hobbes define as being free?
A freeman is he that, in those things which by his strength and wit he is able to do, is not hindered to do what he has a will to do.
What does Hobbes say about fear and liberty?
How does Hobbes perceive civil law?
Artificial, unlike divine law which he equates to natural law.
What does Hobbes say about liberty and necessity?
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The law protects against external impediments regardless of the man's power.
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How does Hobbes describe the relationship between the liberty of the commonwealth and the negative liberty of man?
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What must not be mistaken for liberty according to Hobbes?
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In terms of war, man has no right to disobey his sovereign if commanded to enter battle.
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What happens where there is no law according to Hobbes?
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What is stated about all men by Hobbes?
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Study Notes
Freedom According to Hobbes
- A freeman can act on his will if unimpeded by others; freedom is tied to personal capability and external constraints.
- Definition of freedom incorporates both tangible (pathways) and intangible (gifts) notions of being 'free.'
- The concept of freedom is challenging to define clearly due to its complex nature, visible mainly through human actions.
Fear and Liberty
- Fear influences liberty; they coexist rather than contradict each other.
- Example: On a sinking ship, fear compels an individual to sacrifice possessions or settle debts to avoid greater losses.
Liberty and Necessity
- Liberty is seen as resulting from necessity; desires and inclinations create a chain of actions.
- This perspective is rooted in a divine influence, implying that human motivations connect back to a higher power.
Perception of Civil Law
- Hobbes views civil law as artificial, distinct from divine law, which he associates with natural law.
Material Gain and Law
- Individuals act to enhance personal gain, but laws can obscure judgment and hinder autonomy.
- The effectiveness of law in safeguarding against external threats depends on the sovereign's power or 'sword,' which reinforces self-determination.
Conflict Between Civil Law and Natural Law
- Civil law can oppose natural law, leading to morbid outcomes such as wrongful executions or failure to punish the guilty.
- True liberty should not be confused with unrestrained power, highlighting moral and ethical boundaries.
Common Good vs. Individual Liberty
- The commonwealth's liberty is governed by divine will, while individual liberty is shaped by the state.
- Individuals lack absolute resistive power, but representatives of the state possess the authority to act against external threats.
Equality of Men
- All individuals are inherently free by nature, suggesting an equality that challenges societal constructs.
Disobedience in Context of War
- Individuals may defy their sovereign regarding war engagement, advocating for sympathy due to potential lack of confidence.
- Rejection of the commonwealth symbolizes a deeper rejection of government legitimacy.
Law and Individual Liberty
- Absence of law grants individuals unrestricted liberty, indicating that disputes between subjects and sovereigns lead to mutual rights in seeking justice.
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Description
Explore the concept of freedom as defined by Hobbes in Chapter 21 of his work 'Leviathan'. This quiz delves into the nuances of being free, including its implications for both animate and inanimate objects. Test your understanding of Hobbes' perspective and its broader applications.
