10 Questions
What is the primary reason why subjects must fear the Sovereign more than their neighbors in Hobbes's view?
To ensure ultimate obedience to the Sovereign's laws
What does Hobbes suggest is exchanged for the fear of the Sovereign's sword in Civil Society?
The general fear of everyone and everything
According to Hobbes, what makes social life possible?
The overriding fear of the Sovereign
How does Hobbes describe the fear in the State of Nature?
A generalized fear of sudden death by everybody else's hands
What happens when fearful creatures enter Civil Society according to Hobbes?
They exchange their general fear for a specific fear of the Sovereign
What role does fear play in the administration of justice in Hobbes's view?
Fear ensures obedience and efficient law enforcement
Why is the fear of the Sovereign considered more efficient than the fear of neighbors?
It creates a unified fear directed towards maintaining order
In Hobbes's theory, what is necessary for the Sovereign to maintain control?
Subjects must fear the Sovereign more than anyone else
What analogy does Hobbes use to explain the fear that makes social life possible?
The treatment of a phobic condition by a psychiatrist
What is the principal advantage of having a Sovereign, according to Hobbes?
It reduces generalized fear and promotes specific fear
Study Notes
Social Contract and Sovereignty
- In a state of nature, individuals are in a precarious situation, and their nature is voluntary or involuntary submission to a sovereign.
- The sovereign has the ultimate ownership and right, not only over their own rights but also those of the citizens.
- The principal advantages of remaining sovereign lie in the sovereign's ability to make laws and enforce them.
Fear of Death and Sovereignty
- The fear of death is a crucial element in maintaining order in civil society, as it allows the sovereign to maintain control.
- In a Hobbesian society, the fear of death from the sovereign's sword is greater than the fear of violence from one's neighbors.
- This fear is necessary for the efficiency of the sovereign, as it ensures that subjects comply with laws and commands.
Civil Society and Fear
- In civil society, individuals exchange a general fear of sudden death by everyone else's hands for a specific fear of violent death from the sovereign's sword.
- This fear exchange is what makes social life possible, as it allows individuals to live in a relatively stable and secure environment.
- Hobbes' point is that in civil society, men live in a state of fear, but this fear is overridden by a more specific fear of the sovereign.
Analogy with Psychiatric Medicine
- The Hobbesian state of nature can be compared to a generalized phobic condition, where individuals are frightened of everyone and everything.
- This can lead to a paralysis of the will, making it difficult for individuals to take action.
- The "cure" for this condition starts when the individual can identify what they are afraid of, which is similar to the idea that in civil society, individuals are able to identify and fear the sovereign's power.
This quiz explores the concept of social contract, the relationship between the sovereign and citizens, and the balance of rights and ownership. It delves into the philosophical ideas of the state of nature and the role of the sovereign in a community.
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