PHILO 11.05 - The Leviathan

The State of Nature

• The state of nature is a constant war, where individuals are insecure and kill others before they get killed.
• In this state, peace, social order, and justice are impossible, and nothing is considered unjust.
• Force and fraud are the primary virtues in this state.

Key Characteristics of the State of Nature

• No common power or law exists, leading to no distinction between right and wrong.
• Property is non-existent, and individuals can plunder, steal, and do as they please.
• Being a "good person" is not possible in this state.

The Right of Nature

• The right of nature is the liberty individuals have to use their power to preserve their lives.
• It is the absence of impediments, hindrances, or obstacles to individual freedom.

Important Definitions

• Jus Naturale: The right of nature, inherent to every person in the state of nature.
• Liberty is used for self-preservation through judgment and reason.

The Leviathan

• The Leviathan is a text that discusses the natural condition of mankind, emphasizing equality among humans in physical and mental faculties.
• The text highlights the causes of conflict and self-preservation, including competition, diffidence, and the pursuit of glory.
• It explores the concepts of covenants, justice, and gratitude as essential components of human interactions and societal harmony.

Laws of Nature

• Laws of nature are precepts or general rules found through reason, guiding human behavior in the state of nature.
• Justice depends on antecedent covenants, and gratitude depends on antecedent grace.

Covenants and Contracts

• A covenant is not possible in the state of nature, as words are too weak and insecure.
• A contract is the mutual transferring of right, but individuals cannot make an agreement with themselves in the state of nature.
• A central authority is needed to uphold covenants and hold people accountable.

The Leviathan (State)

• The Leviathan is a central authority that holds people to their covenants, ensuring peace and order.
• It is the product of people's consent, where they confer their strength and liberty into one will.
• The Leviathan has the discretion to preserve peace and order, and its authority is respected, even if the person holding the position changes.

Test your knowledge on the concept of the state of nature and justice based on the idea that in a situation of anarchy, people are predisposed to war due to insecurities. Explore the themes of peace, social order, and fairness within this theoretical framework.