The Pete Quiñones Show Episode 1218: Continental Philosophy and Its Origins - Pt. 6 - Hobbes (Cont.) w/ Thomas777
May 25, 2025
Thomas777, a revisionist historian and fiction writer known for his insights on culture and society, dives deep into the philosophical realm of Thomas Hobbes. He examines Hobbes' influence on political theory and the foundational idea of sovereignty through works like 'Leviathan.' The discussion covers the nuances of virtue, vice, and the complexities of social contracts, while critiquing modern governance. Thomas highlights how Hobbes’ views on fear and authority remain relevant today, offering a fresh perspective on political legitimacy and civil cohesion.
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Leviathan as Sovereign Symbol
- Hobbes chose "Leviathan" as a metaphor for sovereign power, symbolizing a massive sea monster that can crush pride and maintain order.
- Leviathan represents an overpowering, fearsome sovereign whose authority suppresses chaotic pride and secures political stability.
Hobbes' Pragmatic Virtue
- Hobbes views virtue pragmatically as the habit of self-preserving actions that also allow others to do the same.
- Vice is any behavior disrupting order or sabotaging the collective enterprise of the body politic.
Equality Essential to Sovereign Authority
- Hobbes rejects natural aristocracy because in nature any man can kill and seize power from another.
- Sovereignty requires structural equality in law and society to maintain peace and prevent conflicts over status.
