Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan, published in 1651, is a cornerstone of Western political philosophy. While the entire work is significant, his Second Treatise of Government (note: Hobbes didn't actually structure his work into "treatises"; this is a common way of referring to the distinct sections of Leviathan) is particularly influential, offering a powerful articulation of social contract theory and the justification of sovereign power. This essay will delve into the core tenets of Hobbes' arguments, addressing common questions and exploring their enduring relevance.
What is Hobbes' Second Treatise of Government About?
Hobbes' Leviathan (and the sections often referred to as the "Second Treatise") doesn't explicitly lay out a "Second Treatise" as a separate work, but rather presents a comprehensive theory of the state of nature, the social contract, and the absolute authority of the sovereign. The core argument revolves around escaping the brutal "state of nature," a hypothetical condition where life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." In this state, individuals are driven by self-preservation and a relentless pursuit of power, leading to a constant war of all against all. To escape this chaos, individuals rationally agree to surrender certain rights to an absolute sovereign—a powerful entity, whether a monarch or an assembly—in exchange for security and order. This agreement forms the social contract.
What are the Main Arguments in Hobbes' Second Treatise?
The main arguments within the framework of Hobbes' theory, often interpreted as the "Second Treatise" sections, center on:
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The State of Nature: Hobbes paints a vivid picture of a pre-political state characterized by unrestrained individualism, competition, and violence. He argues that the absence of a common power leads to a perpetual war where everyone is threatened.
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The Social Contract: To escape the state of nature, individuals enter into a social contract, transferring their natural rights to a sovereign. This isn't a contract between individuals and the sovereign, but rather a mutual covenant among individuals to authorize a sovereign power to enforce law and order.
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The Sovereign's Absolute Authority: The sovereign's power is absolute and indivisible. This is necessary to maintain peace and prevent the resurgence of the state of nature. The sovereign is not bound by any laws and can only be challenged by the threat of revolution.
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The Rights of the Sovereign: The sovereign holds extensive powers, including the right to make laws, enforce them, and judge disputes. Critically, Hobbes argues the sovereign does not violate the social contract by acting in ways that some individuals might find unjust; the very nature of the contract establishes this authority.
What are the Criticisms of Hobbes' Second Treatise?
Hobbes' ideas have faced significant criticisms:
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Excessive Power of the Sovereign: Critics argue that granting absolute power to a sovereign risks tyranny and the suppression of individual liberties. The potential for abuse is a central concern.
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Overly Pessimistic View of Human Nature: Some challenge Hobbes' assumption that human beings are inherently selfish and driven by a relentless pursuit of power. They argue that cooperation and altruism are also integral aspects of human nature.
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Lack of Individual Rights: The suppression of individual rights in Hobbes' system is viewed as problematic by many. The absolute power of the sovereign leaves little room for individual autonomy and self-determination.
What is the Significance of Hobbes' Second Treatise Today?
Despite the criticisms, Hobbes' work remains remarkably relevant. His ideas continue to influence discussions on:
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The Role of Government: Hobbes' theory provides a foundational framework for understanding the purpose and function of government – namely, maintaining order and security.
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Social Contract Theory: While debated, the social contract remains a dominant paradigm in political philosophy, and Hobbes’ version provides a stark and influential perspective on this critical concept.
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The Limits of Power: The potential for the abuse of power, a central concern in Hobbes' work, remains a crucial issue in contemporary political discourse.
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International Relations: Hobbes' "state of nature" analogy is often applied to international relations, where the absence of a world government leads to a constant threat of conflict between states.
How Does Hobbes' Second Treatise Relate to Other Works?
Hobbes' work is part of a larger conversation with other major political philosophers, including John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. While sharing some similarities with Locke's social contract theory, particularly concerning the individual’s right to self-preservation, they differ dramatically on the nature and extent of sovereign power. Rousseau's concept of the "general will" offers a stark contrast to Hobbes' emphasis on individual self-interest and the absolute power of the sovereign.
In conclusion, Hobbes' Second Treatise of Government, while controversial, remains a landmark achievement in political philosophy. Its enduring influence stems from its rigorous analysis of the state of nature, its articulation of the social contract, and its unflinching examination of the relationship between power, order, and individual liberty. While many disagree with his conclusions, understanding his arguments remains crucial for any serious engagement with political thought.
