Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan: The Sovereign and the Social Contract
The Rise of the Modern State
In the 16th century, Western Europe underwent a period of immense change. The Renaissance, the discovery of America, and the decline of feudalism all contributed to the rise of the modern state. This new political entity, with its centralized power and sovereign authority, marked a significant departure from the classical tradition where ethics and politics were intertwined.
Machiavelli’s Influence
Niccolò Machiavelli played a crucial role in shaping modern political thought. His emphasis on the concept of the state as the ultimate authority laid the groundwork for political science and theories of sovereignty.
The Emergence of Absolutism
As feudalism crumbled, absolutist states emerged, centralizing power and consolidating authority. This shift was driven by the need for stability and order amidst the chaos of the era. The burgeoning bourgeoisie, seeking economic freedom, would later challenge this absolutist control.
Thomas Hobbes and the English Revolution
Amidst the turmoil of the English Civil War, Thomas Hobbes emerged as a prominent political philosopher. His primary concern was the preservation of life and the establishment of peace and security. He believed that human nature was inherently self-serving and that individuals were driven by a constant fear of death.
The Social Contract and the Leviathan
To escape the brutal “state of nature” where individuals were engaged in a perpetual “war of all against all” (bellum omnium contra omnes), Hobbes proposed the concept of the social contract. In this agreement, individuals relinquished their natural rights and freedoms to an absolute sovereign, the Leviathan. This powerful entity would maintain order and security through the threat of force.
Leviathan (1651)
Hobbes’ masterpiece, Leviathan, argued that the only way to ensure individual safety was through the creation of an all-powerful state. This state, like the biblical Leviathan, would be a force to be reckoned with, capable of suppressing any dissent and maintaining peace.
The Sovereign’s Authority
The Leviathan’s authority was absolute and unquestionable. Its power derived not from divine right but from the consent of the governed, who willingly surrendered their freedoms in exchange for security. Hobbes believed that the sovereign’s power was necessary to prevent the descent into chaos and violence.
The Subjugation of the Church
Hobbes argued that the church should be subordinate to the state. He believed that a unified will was necessary for effective governance and that the church’s authority could undermine the sovereign’s power.
The Legacy of Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes’ ideas on the social contract, the state of nature, and the role of the sovereign had a profound impact on political philosophy. His work continues to be studied and debated, shaping our understanding of the relationship between the individual and the state. He introduced the now-familiar concepts of “nature” and “social contract” into the lexicon of political theory.