Analysis of Thomas Hobbe's Leviathan

Thomas Hobbes in Leviathan demonstrates the idea of how human fear leads us to perform

Certain actions in accordance with requirements of the sovereign but in actuality those actions

are merely a product of feared obedience rather than obligation. The paper discusses how

Although sovereignty is necessary for the harmony of society without obligations those powers

are of no use. It demonstrates how our lives are shaped by our fears of the sovereign and how

differently human beings would behave if the power to make every decision was placed in their

own hands. It is essential to realize that Hobbes theory of fear in contentious as fear in actuality

does not compel one to abide by the law as individuals prefer using their own knowledge and

judgment whilst making decisions. A major controversy that can be observed is that according

to Hobbes fear has complete power over independent action which may not always be the

matter. . Fear is a human characteristic and in the state of nature of all against all this fear

commands obedience for man pursues life, peace and security. Man only fears something from which he needs protection.¬¬ This is because the main objective of man is to continue in motion and as per the laws of nature, to preserve (which is also to be protected from something that results in the contrary) himself and seek peace. Hence, wherever there is fear of discontinued motio¬¬¬n, obedience follows. Hypothetically if state of nature existed there would be no security creating havoc and constant danger to human life. Hobbes divides his concept into two parts, mental and the physical. According to Hobbes the Mental has merely no value until and unless it is implemented physically. Therefore the existenc...

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...nwealth. There is no room for obligation in the state of nature, or in human nature because neither knows any obligating power. All stages of societal development point to the necessity of a sovereign. The natural precepts are based on fear of discontinued motion and they illustrate the need for a sovereign which Hobbes intends. The laws mirror the state of nature as Hobbes proposes it. Furthermore, Hobbes seems to lean towards leftist ideology as well as rightist. This is because his human nature contends individuals to be greedy and that greed propels man to progress and consume more of other individuals (state of nature). Thus he believes that a sovereign is needed, however this sovereign is absolute and is there to regulate covenants which highly resembles communism.

Works Cited

Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. Ed. Edwin Curley. 1668. N.p.: n.p., 1994. Print.