Hobbes: Leviathan

Step into the foundational philosophy of Thomas Hobbes with this episode exploring key ideas from his monumental work, **Leviathan (1660)**. Hobbes embarks on a systematic analysis of the **Commonwealth**, envisioning it as an **artificial man**. He meticulously examines its components: the **matter and artificer (man)**, its creation through **covenants**, the absolute **rights and power of the sovereign**, and the factors contributing to its **preservation or dissolution**. The book is structured into four main parts: **Of Man**, **Of Commonwealth**, **Of a Christian Commonwealth**, and **Of the Kingdom of Darkness**.

Hobbes argues that to understand humanity, one must "read thyself," noting the similitude of passions across individuals, although the objects of these passions vary. He delves into the **interior beginnings of voluntary motions, commonly called the passions**. Hobbes asserts that words like "good" and "evil" are relative, used in relation to the person speaking, unless a Commonwealth or its representative provides a common rule. He emphasizes the vital role of **speech**, consisting of names and their connection, for registering thoughts and enabling mutual communication, essential for society and peace. He defines **reason** not as an inherent faculty of truth, but as the **reckoning of consequences of general names** established for signification. Truth and falsehood, according to Hobbes, are attributes of speech, not of things themselves.

The creation of a **Commonwealth** occurs when individuals **covenant** with one another to authorize a single man or assembly to **represent them all**. This sovereign representative possesses **absolute power**, and subjects are considered the **authors of the sovereign's actions**, meaning the sovereign cannot justly injure a subject. Hobbes maintains that **sovereignty is indivisible**. He discusses the different forms of government: **monarchy, democracy, and aristocracy**, noting that the difference lies in the person or assembly representing the multitude. The ultimate aim of the sovereign is the **safety of the people**, which encompasses not just survival but also the "contentments of life which every man by lawful industry... shall acquire to himself". This is achieved through general providence, public instruction, and good laws. It is crucial for the sovereign to maintain their essential rights and inform the people of the reasons behind them. The discussion also covers civil laws, their interpretation, crimes, and punishments, highlighting that the right to punish is inherent from the state of nature, not granted by subjects.

Hobbes dedicates a significant portion of Leviathan to the concept of a **Christian Commonwealth**. He argues that **temporal and spiritual authority are not distinct powers** but are both vested in the civil sovereign. He interprets Scripture extensively, particularly the notion of the **Kingdom of God**, arguing it is a **real kingdom**, not merely metaphorical, established with the Jews under Moses and to be restored by Christ's second coming. When united under one sovereign, the Church is the same as a Christian Commonwealth. Christian sovereigns are the **supreme pastors** of their people, with authority derived directly from God. Hobbes contrasts this with the nature and limits of **ecclesiastical power** as exercised by Christ's ministers, who were sent to preach and persuade, not to rule by command and coercion in this world. The episode also touches on what Hobbes considers necessary for salvation, fundamentally the belief that **Jesus is the Christ**.

Reference Page

Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. 1651. PDF file. Philosophy 302 Texts, University of Arizona, /hobbes/Thomas Hobbes - Leviathan (1660).pdf