Thomas Hobbes: Leviathan Essentials

Questions and Answers

Who was Thomas Hobbes?

A German scientist

An English philosopher (correct)

A French mathematician

An Italian poet

What is the condition of man according to Hobbes?

Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

According to Hobbes, all men are equal in their ability to dominate others.

True

What are the three causes of quarrel identified by Hobbes?

Competition, glory, diffidence Signup and view all the answers

What does Hobbes mean by 'right of nature'?

The freedom each man has to use his powers as he wills to preserve his own life. Signup and view all the answers

According to Hobbes, justice and injustice are qualities that relate to men in ______.

society Signup and view all the answers

A covenant is merely an agreement between men, regardless of its performance.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following laws of nature with their descriptions:

First Law = Every man ought to endeavor peace Second Law = Men should lay down their right to all things Third Law = Covenants need coercive power to enforce them Fourth Law = Men ought to pardon offenses of those who repent Signup and view all the answers

What is the motive for transferring or renouncing one's right according to Hobbes?

For personal security and life preservation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a contract according to Hobbes?

A mutual transferring of rights Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

About Thomas Hobbes

English philosopher known for his moral and political theories.
Advocated that justice relies on implied social contracts among individuals.
Argued that individuals must limit their own rights for the sake of collective security.
Described life without social order as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."

Chapter 13: Natural Condition of Mankind

All men are fundamentally equal despite differences in physical strength.
Mental capabilities and experience can level the playing field, enabling anyone to dominate.
Men have inflated egos, believing themselves superior, leading to competition and conflict.
Three causes of quarrel: competition (for gain), diffidence (for security), and glory (for reputation).
Without a common power, humanity is in a constant state of war, hindering culture and industry.
Property is conditional; it exists only as long as one can protect it from being taken.
Peace is pursued out of fear of death, desire for comfort, and hope for security through cooperation.

Chapter 14: Natural Laws and Contracts

Right of nature allows individuals to preserve their own lives as they see fit.
Laws of nature are rules of reason that promote peace and discourage destructive behavior.
Individuals should seek peace where possible, using war only as a last resort.
Mutual agreements or contracts are essential for social order; without them, war persists.
Those renouncing certain rights do so for personal security; this transfer of rights forms contracts.

Chapter 15: Laws of Nature

Covenants must be firm and upheld to avoid the condition of war.
Breaking a covenant is viewed as injustice; fulfilling them is deemed just.
A strong enforcement mechanism is necessary to ensure adherence to covenants and protect property.
Ingratitude arises when one does not reciprocate the grace received from others.
Laws of nature emphasize equality and the need for all to acknowledge mutual regard.
Equity in distribution is vital; rights should be maintained for essential aspects of life.
Laws of nature are eternal and cannot be justified by inequity, pride, or injustice.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of Thomas Hobbes' philosophy as presented in his seminal work, 'Leviathan'. This quiz provides key insights into Hobbes' views on morality, justice, and the social contract. Ideal for understanding the foundations of political theory.