Philo 11.05 - The Leviathan Template.pdf

8 - The Leviathan The Leviathan discusses the natural condition of mankind concerning their felicity and misery, emphasizing the equality among men in terms of physical and mental faculties. It delves into the concept of natural equality and the implications it has on human behavior, particularly in...

8 - The Leviathan The Leviathan discusses the natural condition of mankind concerning their felicity and misery, emphasizing the equality among men in terms of physical and mental faculties. It delves into the concept of natural equality and the implications it has on human behavior, particularly in relation to conflict and self-preservation. The text highlights the idea that from this equality of ability arises the equality of hope in attaining one's ends, leading to competition, diffidence, and the pursuit of glory as the principal causes of quarrel among men. It also explores the concept of covenants, justice, and gratitude as essential components of human interactions and societal harmony. The Leviathan outlines the principles of justice, gratitude, and other laws of nature that govern human behavior. It discusses how justice depends on antecedent covenants and gratitude depends on antecedent grace, emphasizing the importance of upholding covenants, showing gratitude, and striving for peaceful coexistence. It also addresses the significance of accommodating oneself to others and the importance of pardoning past offenses for the sake of peace and reconciliation. The text emphasizes the need for individuals to strive for mutual accommodation and demonstrate a willingness to forgive past wrongs, highlighting the fundamental principles that guide human interactions and facilitate societal harmony. In addition, the Leviathan delves into the significance of maintaining covenants, showing gratitude for acts of grace, and striving for peaceful coexistence. It emphasizes the importance of mutual accommodation and the willingness to pardon past offenses for the sake of peace and reconciliation. The text delves into the fundamental principles that govern human behavior and interactions, outlining the essential elements necessary for societal harmony and peaceful coexistence. NOTES - 03/08/2024 In the time The Leviathan was written, the leaders of the time had the divine right to rule. “Ordained by God” Hobbes questioned if there is any other reason for governance or appeal to the divine. “State of Nature” A pre-political condition wherein people do not have social organization, government, institutions, or laws. A statement of what a human being is as an individual. There is equality in the state of nature. If you are smart enough, experienced enough, skilled enough, you can kill anybody. Anybody can take advantage of the other. From Equality to Conflict It comes from the idea of scarcity. If any two men desire the same thing but cannot enjoy or share it, they will endeavor to subdue or destroy one another. Why do we fight: 1. Competition: Resources are scarce, and survival depends on consumption 2. Diffidence: If everybody is out to get you, you will never feel secure or trust other people. 3. Glory: Someone who delights in status. The State of Nature is Constant War Think of the Purge Franchise. It’s not the fact that everyone is constantly fighting, it’s the disposition for war born from insecurity you kill someone before they kill you. What is not possible in the state of nature? Peace, social order, and justice. Nothing is unjust, everything is fair.When there is no common power, there is no law: where no law, no injustice. Force and fraud are the cardinal virtues and therefore Justice is only possible if there is social cohesion. Property is a non-existent concept. People can plunder, steal and simply do whatever they want. It’s not possible to be a good person. In civil society, where the full enforcement of the law is in effect, we still lock our doors, lock our chests, lock our properties… there is still diffidence. The state of man is short, uncivilized, and animalistic Right of Nature Usually, it means our duty or claim to each other for something more just that we respect as they are inherent. For Hobbes, the right of nature is the liberty man has to use his own power. It is the absence of impediments, hindrances or obstacles. Do whatever you want so long as it preserves your life. Important Definitions 1. Jus Naturale: Right of nature. The nature of a person in the state of nature. Liberty is to be used for one’s own preservation through their judgment and reason. People will lay down their rights to claim everything and be content with limiting liberty for security. 2. Laws of Nature: A precept, or general rule, found out by reason. What a person would naturally conclude if they were in the state of nature. Covenant is not possible in the state of nature Contract: The mutual transferring of right, is that which men call “Contract” The contract on one’s part is called “pact” or “COVENANT”. People may come into an agreement with each other but people themselves cannot make this agreement with themselves. Words are too weak in the state of nature as when people are insecure about their own lives. What is needed is a commonly greater fear. MOST IMPORTANT The end goal of men is the escape from the miserable condition of war. A central authority is needed to hold people to their covenants, hold people accountable, rather than using fear to enforce one’s contract. Commonwealth = Leviathan = State. The populace confers their strength and liberty into one will. You give up your brute and animalistic nature in exchange for the preservation of peace. Leviathan is the contract itself. It is the product of people’s consent. The Leviathan has the discretion on the most effective way to preserve peace and order then the Leviathan shall be followed. (Not very checked and balanced).. You can oust the person but you respect the position itself. Leviathan is the person that embodies that law - that is why Leviathan is the king, the monarchy. It is only when you rewrite the contract that the Leviathan changes.