The Book Club John Yoo: Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
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Mar 21, 2023 
Michael Knowles and guest John Yoo discuss how Hobbes's Leviathan shaped political philosophy. They explore Hobbes as the first modern political philosopher, his views on law, the relevance of his ideas in America, the symbolism of the monster Leviathan, and the conservative nature of the American Revolution.
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Hobbes's Influence
- Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan introduces the state of nature, social contract, and sovereign concepts.
- These ideas are foundational to modern political philosophy and the understanding of the American Constitution.
Hobbesian State of Nature
- Hobbes rejects the medieval idea of a divinely appointed ruler, grounding his theory on self-interest.
- He posits that the state of nature is violent and that society forms to prevent this violence.
Hobbes's Focus
- Hobbes prioritizes peace and order above metaphysical musings, focusing on preventing violence and death.
- He redefines the Golden Rule negatively: "don't do unto others what you don't want them to do to you."