In the following work the conception of the natural state of the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) will be discussed. Hobbes’ entire understanding of the state can be regarded as a development series, thus his idea of people and the natural state are important
conditions for the later state resulting from it. Only due to this, it becomes understandable why Hobbes designed the state as one with a sovereign leader who has almost unrestricted power. The work refers primarily to the mainwork of Thomas Hobbes: Leviathan. The particularly relevant chapters are chapters 13 and 14. The first part of this work will display Hobbes’ idea of people, the second part will analyse the natural state and the final consideration will critically point out the coherence of the anthropology and natural state and will present my personal opinion.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. Anthropology
- III. Natural state
- III.1 Right of nature
- III.2 Law of nature
- IV. Conclusion and outlook
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the concept of the natural state as proposed by the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679). It explores the significance of Hobbes' understanding of human nature and the natural state in shaping his vision of a sovereign state with almost unlimited power. The paper primarily references Hobbes' main work, Leviathan, specifically Chapters 13 and 14. The first part focuses on Hobbes' view of human beings, the second part analyzes the natural state, and the final section critiques the coherence of Hobbes' anthropology and natural state, offering a personal perspective.
- Hobbes' concept of human nature and its implications for the natural state
- The relationship between the right of nature and the law of nature in Hobbes' philosophy
- The role of fear and power in maintaining social order according to Hobbes
- The influence of historical events, such as the English Civil War, on Hobbes' political thought
- A critical evaluation of Hobbes' anthropocentric perspective and its influence on his theory of the natural state
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter I introduces the topic of Thomas Hobbes' concept of the natural state. It establishes the context for understanding Hobbes' view of the state as a development series, highlighting the importance of his understanding of human nature and the natural state in shaping his political philosophy. Chapter II delves into Hobbes' anthropology, presenting two basic axioms that underpin his understanding of human nature: the inherent drive for self-preservation and the pursuit of well-being. It explores the significance of reason, inquiry, and the avoidance of violent death in shaping human actions.
Chapter III further elaborates on Hobbes' conception of the natural state. It examines the right of nature, which grants individuals complete freedom, and the law of nature, which dictates that individuals should strive for self-preservation and avoid harming others. It analyzes how Hobbes' view of human nature, driven by self-interest and fear, inevitably leads to conflict in the natural state.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This work focuses on the key concepts of Thomas Hobbes' political philosophy, exploring the relationship between his understanding of human nature, the natural state, and the need for a sovereign state. The keywords include: natural state, right of nature, law of nature, anthropology, self-preservation, well-being, fear, power, conflict, social order, sovereignty, Leviathan, English Civil War.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Georg Fichtner (Autor:in), 2005, Thomas Hobbes and his concept of the natural state, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/50479
