Philosophize This!
Episode #026 ... Thomas Hobbes pt. 1 - The Social Contract
Jun 17, 2014
Listeners dive into the thought-provoking world of Thomas Hobbes, pondering life without laws or a government—imagine a real-life Purge scenario. The discussion unpacks the idea of humans as inherently selfish, shaping our relationships. A fascinating look at why society needs a strong leader emerges, drawing parallels to a quarterback directing a game. Hobbes’ vision of governance as a necessary force to prevent chaos in the 'state of nature' challenges us to rethink authority and order.
29:12
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Quick takeaways
- Living in the state of nature is harsh and violent, leading to the need for government and peace.
- The sovereign's authority and laws are willingly accepted to prevent the chaos and constant warfare of the state of nature.
Deep dives
The State of Nature and the Need for Government
In this podcast episode, the concept of the state of nature is explored. The state of nature is described as a ruthless and dog-eat-dog world where violence and chaos prevail. Thomas Hobbs argues that humans, being self-interested and survival-oriented, engage in constant conflict and that life in the state of nature is brutal, solitary, and short. To escape this state, humans realize the need for government and peace. They enter into a social contract, giving up some individual freedoms in exchange for security and stability. Hobbs suggests that the role of government is to maintain peace by enforcing laws and protecting citizens from perpetual warfare and danger.
