Thomas Hobbes on the State (Makers of the Modern World)

Published in 1689, 'Two Treatises of Government' is a seminal work by John Locke that critiques the divine right of kings and advocates for a government based on the consent of the governed. The first treatise refutes Robert Filmer's 'Patriarcha,' which argued for the divine right of kings, while the second treatise outlines Locke's theory of civil society, the state of nature, natural rights, and the social contract. Locke argues that legitimate governments derive their power from the consent of the people and that individuals have the right to rebellion if the government fails to protect their natural rights to life, liberty, and property. His ideas significantly influenced the American and French Revolutions and remain central to liberal political theory[2][4][5].

Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness.' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.

In "De Cive", Hobbes sviluppa la sua teoria dello stato di natura, dove gli uomini sono mossi da un egoismo innato e dalla ricerca del potere. Questa condizione porta a una "guerra di tutti contro tutti", che può essere evitata solo attraverso un contratto sociale e la creazione di uno stato sovrano. Hobbes difende l'autorità assoluta del sovrano come necessaria per mantenere l'ordine e la sicurezza. L'opera è fondamentale per la filosofia politica moderna, influenzando il pensiero di numerosi autori successivi. La sua analisi del potere e della natura umana continua a suscitare dibattito e riflessione.