Conservative thinkers and their ideas
19 August 2021 20:34
, Thomas Hobbes
19 August 2021 20:40
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)
Thomas Hobbes was a thinker who wrote about the state of nature. He
had some influence on later social contract theories. His most famous
work is “Leviathan”.
Order
Hobbes wrote extensively on the limitations of human nature in his book
“Leviathan”, written in 1671. In “Leviathan” Hobbes argued that the state
of nature made life “nasty, brutish and short” and so, a ‘leviathan’
(dominant state) is needed to keep order in society.
The Leviathan is imposed on people from above - which follows
conservative ideas of hierarchy and authority. -But, Hobbes also agreed
with liberal ideas that authority is supported by consent from the people.
Hobbes argued that sacrificing liberty for social order is desirable.
Human nature
Hobbes had a pessimistic view of human nature.
He believed that if humans were left in the state of nature (without
structures and institutions of society), they would be violent towards one
another and not respect private property.
Without law and order, there would be “a war of all against all”.
Instead, Hobbes believed that order must be imposed on a society to stop
the dangers of human imperfection.
19 August 2021 20:34
, Thomas Hobbes
19 August 2021 20:40
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)
Thomas Hobbes was a thinker who wrote about the state of nature. He
had some influence on later social contract theories. His most famous
work is “Leviathan”.
Order
Hobbes wrote extensively on the limitations of human nature in his book
“Leviathan”, written in 1671. In “Leviathan” Hobbes argued that the state
of nature made life “nasty, brutish and short” and so, a ‘leviathan’
(dominant state) is needed to keep order in society.
The Leviathan is imposed on people from above - which follows
conservative ideas of hierarchy and authority. -But, Hobbes also agreed
with liberal ideas that authority is supported by consent from the people.
Hobbes argued that sacrificing liberty for social order is desirable.
Human nature
Hobbes had a pessimistic view of human nature.
He believed that if humans were left in the state of nature (without
structures and institutions of society), they would be violent towards one
another and not respect private property.
Without law and order, there would be “a war of all against all”.
Instead, Hobbes believed that order must be imposed on a society to stop
the dangers of human imperfection.
