SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan Essay
A state of nature is a hypothetical state of being within a society that defines such a way that
particular community behaves within itself. English philosopher Thomas Hobbes proclaimed that,
"A state of nature is a state of war." By this, Hobbes means that every human being, given the
absence of government or a contract between other members of a society, would act in a warโ€“like
state in which each man would be motivated by desires derived solely with the intention of
maximizing his own utility.
He claims that acts of kindness, charity and benevolence are always actions that the performer
believes will result in a beneficial consequence for himself. Hobbes' basis for this argument lies in
the concept of...show more content...
The most highly organized social network is called a commonwealth, a web of contracts between
members of a community, which according to Hobbes is synonymous to the formation of an
entirely new person of which each individual is but a working part (Leviathan 2, 17). Hence the
title of Hobbes' most famous work, Leviathan, which is a sea monster that lives off of the "sea of
individuals." And who is to rule this commonwealth?
Hobbes answers that there needs to be a sovereign, to judge and enforce the laws of the contracts
(Leviathan 2, 18). This sovereign, who is either chosen by the creators of the covenant (institution)
or who forces people under his rule (acquisition) has the final rule in enforcing the laws.
Essentially what Hobbes is saying by all of this is that human beings are not fit to govern themselves.
The notion of the social contract serves the purpose of saving us from ourselves because, according
to Hobbes, humans are not able to do that on their own. The idea of acting on behalf of the common
good is, while comprehensible in theory, impossible for humans to execute.
In criticizing Hobbes argument, it is extremely important to understand that the very theory of the
state of nature is purely arbitrary. Such a state has never existed. While Hobbes states that the idea
of a state of nature is hypothetical, a certain validity must be denied in the absence of evidence.
Get more content on HelpWriting.net

More Related Content

Similar to Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan Essay

Philosophers who influenced the development of liberalism
Philosophers who influenced the development of liberalismPhilosophers who influenced the development of liberalism
Philosophers who influenced the development of liberalismSam
ย 
Social Contract theorists say that morality consists of a set of rul.docx
Social Contract theorists say that morality consists of a set of rul.docxSocial Contract theorists say that morality consists of a set of rul.docx
Social Contract theorists say that morality consists of a set of rul.docxedmondpburgess27164
ย 
Comparision of idealogy john locke & thomas hobbes
Comparision of idealogy john locke & thomas hobbesComparision of idealogy john locke & thomas hobbes
Comparision of idealogy john locke & thomas hobbessaimfn82
ย 
ยท Minimum of 1 scholarly sourceIntroductionSocial contract the.docx
ยท Minimum of 1 scholarly sourceIntroductionSocial contract the.docxยท Minimum of 1 scholarly sourceIntroductionSocial contract the.docx
ยท Minimum of 1 scholarly sourceIntroductionSocial contract the.docxalinainglis
ย 
THOMABS HOBBES (1588 โ€“ 1679) (His Life)
THOMABS HOBBES (1588 โ€“ 1679) (His Life)THOMABS HOBBES (1588 โ€“ 1679) (His Life)
THOMABS HOBBES (1588 โ€“ 1679) (His Life)MaherMubeen
ย 
150 word response for EACH postย POST ONEThe general will is .docx
150 word response for EACH postย POST ONEThe general will is .docx150 word response for EACH postย POST ONEThe general will is .docx
150 word response for EACH postย POST ONEThe general will is .docxvickeryr87
ย 
Social contract theory
Social contract theorySocial contract theory
Social contract theoryHAPPYLovetoLearn
ย 
Thomas Hobbes and The Social Contract
Thomas Hobbes and The Social ContractThomas Hobbes and The Social Contract
Thomas Hobbes and The Social ContractSheikh Saifullah Ahmed
ย 
Respect and Resistance Theory in Punishment
Respect and Resistance Theory in PunishmentRespect and Resistance Theory in Punishment
Respect and Resistance Theory in PunishmentSourav Banerjee
ย 
RESPOND to each post150 words EACHPOST ONEAs a result of havin.docx
RESPOND to each post150 words EACHPOST ONEAs a result of havin.docxRESPOND to each post150 words EACHPOST ONEAs a result of havin.docx
RESPOND to each post150 words EACHPOST ONEAs a result of havin.docxisbelsejx0m
ย 
THOMAS HOBBESโ€™ MECHANISTIC VIEW OF THE HUMAN SOCIETY
THOMAS HOBBESโ€™ MECHANISTIC VIEW OF THE HUMAN SOCIETYTHOMAS HOBBESโ€™ MECHANISTIC VIEW OF THE HUMAN SOCIETY
THOMAS HOBBESโ€™ MECHANISTIC VIEW OF THE HUMAN SOCIETYgershom habile
ย 
Sovereignty (1).docx
Sovereignty (1).docxSovereignty (1).docx
Sovereignty (1).docxInsiderPCGaming
ย 

Similar to Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan Essay (12)

Philosophers who influenced the development of liberalism
Philosophers who influenced the development of liberalismPhilosophers who influenced the development of liberalism
Philosophers who influenced the development of liberalism
ย 
Social Contract theorists say that morality consists of a set of rul.docx
Social Contract theorists say that morality consists of a set of rul.docxSocial Contract theorists say that morality consists of a set of rul.docx
Social Contract theorists say that morality consists of a set of rul.docx
ย 
Comparision of idealogy john locke & thomas hobbes
Comparision of idealogy john locke & thomas hobbesComparision of idealogy john locke & thomas hobbes
Comparision of idealogy john locke & thomas hobbes
ย 
ยท Minimum of 1 scholarly sourceIntroductionSocial contract the.docx
ยท Minimum of 1 scholarly sourceIntroductionSocial contract the.docxยท Minimum of 1 scholarly sourceIntroductionSocial contract the.docx
ยท Minimum of 1 scholarly sourceIntroductionSocial contract the.docx
ย 
THOMABS HOBBES (1588 โ€“ 1679) (His Life)
THOMABS HOBBES (1588 โ€“ 1679) (His Life)THOMABS HOBBES (1588 โ€“ 1679) (His Life)
THOMABS HOBBES (1588 โ€“ 1679) (His Life)
ย 
150 word response for EACH postย POST ONEThe general will is .docx
150 word response for EACH postย POST ONEThe general will is .docx150 word response for EACH postย POST ONEThe general will is .docx
150 word response for EACH postย POST ONEThe general will is .docx
ย 
Social contract theory
Social contract theorySocial contract theory
Social contract theory
ย 
Thomas Hobbes and The Social Contract
Thomas Hobbes and The Social ContractThomas Hobbes and The Social Contract
Thomas Hobbes and The Social Contract
ย 
Respect and Resistance Theory in Punishment
Respect and Resistance Theory in PunishmentRespect and Resistance Theory in Punishment
Respect and Resistance Theory in Punishment
ย 
RESPOND to each post150 words EACHPOST ONEAs a result of havin.docx
RESPOND to each post150 words EACHPOST ONEAs a result of havin.docxRESPOND to each post150 words EACHPOST ONEAs a result of havin.docx
RESPOND to each post150 words EACHPOST ONEAs a result of havin.docx
ย 
THOMAS HOBBESโ€™ MECHANISTIC VIEW OF THE HUMAN SOCIETY
THOMAS HOBBESโ€™ MECHANISTIC VIEW OF THE HUMAN SOCIETYTHOMAS HOBBESโ€™ MECHANISTIC VIEW OF THE HUMAN SOCIETY
THOMAS HOBBESโ€™ MECHANISTIC VIEW OF THE HUMAN SOCIETY
ย 
Sovereignty (1).docx
Sovereignty (1).docxSovereignty (1).docx
Sovereignty (1).docx
ย 

More from Custom Papers Online Portland State University

More from Custom Papers Online Portland State University (20)

Racism In Schools Essay
Racism In Schools EssayRacism In Schools Essay
Racism In Schools Essay
ย 
The Normative Structure Of Science
The Normative Structure Of ScienceThe Normative Structure Of Science
The Normative Structure Of Science
ย 
Middle Ages Essay
Middle Ages EssayMiddle Ages Essay
Middle Ages Essay
ย 
Religious Intolerance
Religious IntoleranceReligious Intolerance
Religious Intolerance
ย 
Veteran Day
Veteran DayVeteran Day
Veteran Day
ย 
Social Psychology And Social Influence
Social Psychology And Social InfluenceSocial Psychology And Social Influence
Social Psychology And Social Influence
ย 
Persuasion By Jane Austen
Persuasion By Jane AustenPersuasion By Jane Austen
Persuasion By Jane Austen
ย 
Stop Animal Extinction
Stop Animal ExtinctionStop Animal Extinction
Stop Animal Extinction
ย 
Music And Music Essay
Music And Music EssayMusic And Music Essay
Music And Music Essay
ย 
Captain Of Industry Dbq
Captain Of Industry DbqCaptain Of Industry Dbq
Captain Of Industry Dbq
ย 
Wife Of Bath
Wife Of BathWife Of Bath
Wife Of Bath
ย 
Mapping The Future Essay
Mapping The Future EssayMapping The Future Essay
Mapping The Future Essay
ย 
Essay On The Characters In The Awakening
Essay On The Characters In The AwakeningEssay On The Characters In The Awakening
Essay On The Characters In The Awakening
ย 
Psycho Essay
Psycho EssayPsycho Essay
Psycho Essay
ย 
American History X Detailed Summary
American History X Detailed SummaryAmerican History X Detailed Summary
American History X Detailed Summary
ย 
Essay On Bowling For Columbine
Essay On Bowling For ColumbineEssay On Bowling For Columbine
Essay On Bowling For Columbine
ย 
World War 1 Poetry Essay
World War 1 Poetry EssayWorld War 1 Poetry Essay
World War 1 Poetry Essay
ย 
Cyberterrorism
CyberterrorismCyberterrorism
Cyberterrorism
ย 
Being Thankful
Being ThankfulBeing Thankful
Being Thankful
ย 
Theme Of Marriage In Mansfield Park
Theme Of Marriage In Mansfield ParkTheme Of Marriage In Mansfield Park
Theme Of Marriage In Mansfield Park
ย 

Recently uploaded

UNIT โ€“ IV_PCI Complaints: Complaints and evaluation of complaints, Handling o...
UNIT โ€“ IV_PCI Complaints: Complaints and evaluation of complaints, Handling o...UNIT โ€“ IV_PCI Complaints: Complaints and evaluation of complaints, Handling o...
UNIT โ€“ IV_PCI Complaints: Complaints and evaluation of complaints, Handling o...Sayali Powar
ย 
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS Module
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS ModuleHow to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS Module
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS ModuleCeline George
ย 
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic Imperative
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativeEmbracing GenAI - A Strategic Imperative
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
ย 
Home assignment II on Spectroscopy 2024 Answers.pdf
Home assignment II on Spectroscopy 2024 Answers.pdfHome assignment II on Spectroscopy 2024 Answers.pdf
Home assignment II on Spectroscopy 2024 Answers.pdfTamralipta Mahavidyalaya
ย 
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptx
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxSynthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptx
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
ย 
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve Thomason
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonThe Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve Thomason
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
ย 
678020731-Sumas-y-Restas-Para-Colorear.pdf
678020731-Sumas-y-Restas-Para-Colorear.pdf678020731-Sumas-y-Restas-Para-Colorear.pdf
678020731-Sumas-y-Restas-Para-Colorear.pdfCarlosHernanMontoyab2
ย 
MARUTI SUZUKI- A Successful Joint Venture in India.pptx
MARUTI SUZUKI- A Successful Joint Venture in India.pptxMARUTI SUZUKI- A Successful Joint Venture in India.pptx
MARUTI SUZUKI- A Successful Joint Venture in India.pptxbennyroshan06
ย 
Overview on Edible Vaccine: Pros & Cons with Mechanism
Overview on Edible Vaccine: Pros & Cons with MechanismOverview on Edible Vaccine: Pros & Cons with Mechanism
Overview on Edible Vaccine: Pros & Cons with MechanismDeeptiGupta154
ย 
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdf
Welcome to TechSoup   New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfWelcome to TechSoup   New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdf
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
ย 
Additional Benefits for Employee Website.pdf
Additional Benefits for Employee Website.pdfAdditional Benefits for Employee Website.pdf
Additional Benefits for Employee Website.pdfjoachimlavalley1
ย 
Basic_QTL_Marker-assisted_Selection_Sourabh.ppt
Basic_QTL_Marker-assisted_Selection_Sourabh.pptBasic_QTL_Marker-assisted_Selection_Sourabh.ppt
Basic_QTL_Marker-assisted_Selection_Sourabh.pptSourabh Kumar
ย 
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdf
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfThe Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdf
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
ย 
NLC-2024-Orientation-for-RO-SDO (1).pptx
NLC-2024-Orientation-for-RO-SDO (1).pptxNLC-2024-Orientation-for-RO-SDO (1).pptx
NLC-2024-Orientation-for-RO-SDO (1).pptxssuserbdd3e8
ย 
plant breeding methods in asexually or clonally propagated crops
plant breeding methods in asexually or clonally propagated cropsplant breeding methods in asexually or clonally propagated crops
plant breeding methods in asexually or clonally propagated cropsparmarsneha2
ย 
NCERT Solutions Power Sharing Class 10 Notes pdf
NCERT Solutions Power Sharing Class 10 Notes pdfNCERT Solutions Power Sharing Class 10 Notes pdf
NCERT Solutions Power Sharing Class 10 Notes pdfVivekanand Anglo Vedic Academy
ย 
Jose-Rizal-and-Philippine-Nationalism-National-Symbol-2.pptx
Jose-Rizal-and-Philippine-Nationalism-National-Symbol-2.pptxJose-Rizal-and-Philippine-Nationalism-National-Symbol-2.pptx
Jose-Rizal-and-Philippine-Nationalism-National-Symbol-2.pptxricssacare
ย 
The Challenger.pdf DNHS Official Publication
The Challenger.pdf DNHS Official PublicationThe Challenger.pdf DNHS Official Publication
The Challenger.pdf DNHS Official PublicationDelapenabediema
ย 
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasiemaillard
ย 

Recently uploaded (20)

UNIT โ€“ IV_PCI Complaints: Complaints and evaluation of complaints, Handling o...
UNIT โ€“ IV_PCI Complaints: Complaints and evaluation of complaints, Handling o...UNIT โ€“ IV_PCI Complaints: Complaints and evaluation of complaints, Handling o...
UNIT โ€“ IV_PCI Complaints: Complaints and evaluation of complaints, Handling o...
ย 
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS Module
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS ModuleHow to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS Module
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS Module
ย 
Introduction to Quality Improvement Essentials
Introduction to Quality Improvement EssentialsIntroduction to Quality Improvement Essentials
Introduction to Quality Improvement Essentials
ย 
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic Imperative
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativeEmbracing GenAI - A Strategic Imperative
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic Imperative
ย 
Home assignment II on Spectroscopy 2024 Answers.pdf
Home assignment II on Spectroscopy 2024 Answers.pdfHome assignment II on Spectroscopy 2024 Answers.pdf
Home assignment II on Spectroscopy 2024 Answers.pdf
ย 
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptx
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxSynthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptx
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptx
ย 
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve Thomason
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonThe Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve Thomason
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve Thomason
ย 
678020731-Sumas-y-Restas-Para-Colorear.pdf
678020731-Sumas-y-Restas-Para-Colorear.pdf678020731-Sumas-y-Restas-Para-Colorear.pdf
678020731-Sumas-y-Restas-Para-Colorear.pdf
ย 
MARUTI SUZUKI- A Successful Joint Venture in India.pptx
MARUTI SUZUKI- A Successful Joint Venture in India.pptxMARUTI SUZUKI- A Successful Joint Venture in India.pptx
MARUTI SUZUKI- A Successful Joint Venture in India.pptx
ย 
Overview on Edible Vaccine: Pros & Cons with Mechanism
Overview on Edible Vaccine: Pros & Cons with MechanismOverview on Edible Vaccine: Pros & Cons with Mechanism
Overview on Edible Vaccine: Pros & Cons with Mechanism
ย 
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdf
Welcome to TechSoup   New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfWelcome to TechSoup   New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdf
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdf
ย 
Additional Benefits for Employee Website.pdf
Additional Benefits for Employee Website.pdfAdditional Benefits for Employee Website.pdf
Additional Benefits for Employee Website.pdf
ย 
Basic_QTL_Marker-assisted_Selection_Sourabh.ppt
Basic_QTL_Marker-assisted_Selection_Sourabh.pptBasic_QTL_Marker-assisted_Selection_Sourabh.ppt
Basic_QTL_Marker-assisted_Selection_Sourabh.ppt
ย 
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdf
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfThe Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdf
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdf
ย 
NLC-2024-Orientation-for-RO-SDO (1).pptx
NLC-2024-Orientation-for-RO-SDO (1).pptxNLC-2024-Orientation-for-RO-SDO (1).pptx
NLC-2024-Orientation-for-RO-SDO (1).pptx
ย 
plant breeding methods in asexually or clonally propagated crops
plant breeding methods in asexually or clonally propagated cropsplant breeding methods in asexually or clonally propagated crops
plant breeding methods in asexually or clonally propagated crops
ย 
NCERT Solutions Power Sharing Class 10 Notes pdf
NCERT Solutions Power Sharing Class 10 Notes pdfNCERT Solutions Power Sharing Class 10 Notes pdf
NCERT Solutions Power Sharing Class 10 Notes pdf
ย 
Jose-Rizal-and-Philippine-Nationalism-National-Symbol-2.pptx
Jose-Rizal-and-Philippine-Nationalism-National-Symbol-2.pptxJose-Rizal-and-Philippine-Nationalism-National-Symbol-2.pptx
Jose-Rizal-and-Philippine-Nationalism-National-Symbol-2.pptx
ย 
The Challenger.pdf DNHS Official Publication
The Challenger.pdf DNHS Official PublicationThe Challenger.pdf DNHS Official Publication
The Challenger.pdf DNHS Official Publication
ย 
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
ย 

Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan Essay

  • 1. Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan Essay A state of nature is a hypothetical state of being within a society that defines such a way that particular community behaves within itself. English philosopher Thomas Hobbes proclaimed that, "A state of nature is a state of war." By this, Hobbes means that every human being, given the absence of government or a contract between other members of a society, would act in a warโ€“like state in which each man would be motivated by desires derived solely with the intention of maximizing his own utility. He claims that acts of kindness, charity and benevolence are always actions that the performer believes will result in a beneficial consequence for himself. Hobbes' basis for this argument lies in the concept of...show more content... The most highly organized social network is called a commonwealth, a web of contracts between members of a community, which according to Hobbes is synonymous to the formation of an entirely new person of which each individual is but a working part (Leviathan 2, 17). Hence the title of Hobbes' most famous work, Leviathan, which is a sea monster that lives off of the "sea of individuals." And who is to rule this commonwealth? Hobbes answers that there needs to be a sovereign, to judge and enforce the laws of the contracts (Leviathan 2, 18). This sovereign, who is either chosen by the creators of the covenant (institution) or who forces people under his rule (acquisition) has the final rule in enforcing the laws. Essentially what Hobbes is saying by all of this is that human beings are not fit to govern themselves. The notion of the social contract serves the purpose of saving us from ourselves because, according to Hobbes, humans are not able to do that on their own. The idea of acting on behalf of the common good is, while comprehensible in theory, impossible for humans to execute. In criticizing Hobbes argument, it is extremely important to understand that the very theory of the state of nature is purely arbitrary. Such a state has never existed. While Hobbes states that the idea of a state of nature is hypothetical, a certain validity must be denied in the absence of evidence. Get more content on HelpWriting.net