Leviathan Chapter 13-18 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What evidence does Hobbes provide to support his claim that men are naturally equal to one another in body and mind?

Hobbes claims that despite some individuals being stronger or smarter, the differences are not vast enough. The weakest man is as capable of killing as the strongest by using different means.

What are the two consequences that follow from the natural equality of ability between men according to Hobbes?

War and fear.

What does Hobbes mean when he says that men naturally will feel diffidence toward one another?

Men will act with modesty around one another to protect themselves.

According to Hobbes, what are three main causes of quarrels among men?

<ol> <li>Competition for gain 2) Difference for safety 3) Glory for reputation.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes describe human life during periods when men live without a common power?

Hobbes describes this period as a war of every man against every man. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence does Hobbes offer to support his claim that men naturally tend to invade and destroy one another?

Hobbes states that desires and passions are not inherently sinful and no law prohibits invading and destroying one another. Signup and view all the answers

What three examples of the existence of the state of war does Hobbes offer?

<ol> <li>America with no government 2) Europe in almost civil war 3) Imperialism and mistrust.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence does Hobbes offer to support his claim that in the state of war, nothing is unjust?

Hobbes asserts there is no law without a common power, and therefore, no injustice. Signup and view all the answers

According to Hobbes, what three natural desires or passions naturally incline men to avoid war and seek peace?

Fear of death, desire of things, and reason. Signup and view all the answers

How might Hobbes define 'law of nature,' 'right of nature,' and 'liberty'?

Right of nature: what a man must do to survive; Law of nature: seek peace; Liberty: the freedom to do as one chooses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first law of nature according to Hobbes?

To seek peace and follow it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the right of nature according to Hobbes?

Every man has a right to everything he endures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the second law of nature according to Hobbes?

Man should be willing to lay down his right to all things for the sake of peace. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes define 'injustice'?

Injustice is the hindrance of someone else's right after renouncing it. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes define 'contract'?

A mutual transferring of rights. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances is a contract or covenant of mutual trust void according to Hobbes?

When neither party performs presently but merely trusts each other during a state of nature. Signup and view all the answers

Is a contract made in fear binding according to Hobbes?

Yes, covenants made in fear are obligatory. Signup and view all the answers

What passion can we count on to motivate men to keep their contracts?

The fear of invisible spirits (God). Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes define justice?

Justice is men performing their covenants made. Signup and view all the answers

When does justice begin to play a role in human life according to Hobbes?

Justice comes into play when coercive power compels men to perform their covenants. Signup and view all the answers

What two reasons does Hobbes give for concluding that it is foolish to think that there is no such thing as justice?

It contradicts itself and implies all actions are self-serving. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes respond to those who say the law of nature is based on eternal happiness?

He argues that such views lead to justifying rebellion against consented authority. Signup and view all the answers

Can a man be injured by an action to which he consents according to Hobbes?

No, if he consents, he cannot be injured. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes summarize the laws of nature?

Laws that dictate peace in a civil society, requiring balance between self-interest and others. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hobbes mean when he says the laws of nature bind in foro interno?

They bind to a desire rather than forcibly compel action. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes define 'person'?

He whose words or actions represent himself or another. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes define 'actor' and 'author'?

An actor represents others' words; an author owns those words. Signup and view all the answers

How is it possible to make a multitude of men into one person according to Hobbes?

By representing them with the consent of everyone in that multitude. Signup and view all the answers

Why must the majority of a group be taken to speak for the entire multitude?

The majority's opinion outweighs the minority's opinion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the desire that motivates men to create a commonwealth?

To preserve their life and lead a more contented existence. Signup and view all the answers

What six reasons does Hobbes offer for rejecting Aristotle's claim about men being political animals?

<ol> <li>Competition for honor 2) Joy in comparison with others 3) Reason leads to civil war 4) Men can lie 5) Men can be offended 6) Agreements are not natural, only covenants.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the only way that men can create a commonwealth?

By willingly giving up certain rights and appointing an authority. Signup and view all the answers

How is a commonwealth by acquisition created?

By natural force; a person commands submission through coercion. Signup and view all the answers

How is a commonwealth by institution created?

By voluntary agreement among men submitting to one protector. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can subjects abolish a commonwealth?

Only with the consent of the sovereign. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances does the sovereign forfeit their right to govern?

The sovereign cannot breach the covenant. Signup and view all the answers

Can a sovereign of a commonwealth injure the subjects?

No, a sovereign cannot injure their subjects. Signup and view all the answers

What freedoms of belief are subjects of a commonwealth entitled to?

Truthful belief, thought, and expression. Signup and view all the answers

What property rights do the subjects of a commonwealth have?

Rights to property defined by civil laws. Signup and view all the answers

How should the powers of the sovereignty be divided according to Hobbes?

The powers cannot be divided or the sovereign will lose power. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Equality and Its Consequences

Hobbes asserts that men are naturally equal in body and mind, with notable variations in strength or intelligence not creating significant disparities.
Natural equality leads to competition, differing motivations, and fear, fostering a state of conflict, as men strive to dominate each other.

Causes of Quarrels

Three primary causes of quarrels: competition (gain), difference (safety), and glory (reputation).
Each cause provokes men to seek to subdue others over possessions, safety, or prestige.

Life in the State of Nature

Life without common authority is described as a state of war, marked by constant conflict (war of every man against every man).
In contrast, periods of established authority are termed "peace," where cooperation replaces hostility.

State of War and Injustice

Men have a natural inclination to invade and harm each other; desires are not inherently sinful, and laws are absent in a state of war.
Justice and injustice only exist where there are laws, absent in natural conditions without common power.

Natural Desires Leading to Peace

Men are driven by fear of death, desire for objects, and reason to escape the chaos of the state of nature.

Laws of Nature

First law of nature: "seek peace, and follow it" as a preventative measure against war.
Right of nature is the intrinsic right to self-preservation; law of nature binds men to seek peace for mutual survival.

Contracts and Covenants

Contracts involve the mutual transfer of rights and are binding even under fearful conditions for the sake of life.
Injustice arises from breaking covenants after initially agreeing to them, as it contradicts one’s actions.

Definitions of Justice

Justice defined as adherence to covenants; absence of injustice equates to justice.
Justice is enforced only through the presence of a civil power or sovereign authority.

The Sovereign and Commonwealth

A commonwealth is formed by individuals collectively renouncing certain rights to empower a sovereign for collective security.
Sovereign cannot be unjustly overthrown or renegotiated without violating the initial covenant.

Rights of Subjects and Property

Subjects hold rights to belief, thought, and property as defined by civil laws, with territorial boundaries defined by sovereign decisions.
Sovereignty must remain indivisible to maintain authority and prevent disunity.

Response to Contentious Objections

Hobbes refutes claims of misery in civil life, emphasizing that anarchy leads to greater suffering; he argues that pursuits of self-interest can be misguided.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Justice, contracts, and rights are vital constructs within Hobbes's framework, contingent upon the existence of a sovereign.
Understanding of laws of nature emphasizes the necessity for peace and cooperation among individuals to escape the chaos of unregulated existence.

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Description

Explore the key concepts and arguments presented by Thomas Hobbes in Chapters 13 to 18 of 'Leviathan'. This set of flashcards focuses on Hobbes' views on human equality and the nature of man. Test your understanding and retention of his philosophical principles.