Thomas Hobbes Argument For Political Authority
HOBBES: POLITICAL AUTHORITY
Hobbes presents an argument for political authority that is radical for its time; it relies on individual consent as the foundation for legitimacy. But Hobbes wanted to ensure that placing the individual at the center of his theory would produce order and stability rather than disorder and chaos. How does Hobbes manage to bring his emphasis on individualism together with his desire for order or stability?
Hobbes argument for political authority is indeed radical for its time as it is not only absolutist but it also does rely on individual consent. Despite Hobbes’ emphasis on the individual, he does raise concerns of how human beings can live together in peace and ultimately avoid conflict. Due to Hobbes’ apparent lack of faith in the human race,Hobbes believes that where political authority exists, the people's only duty is to obey those in power since, according to his depiction of the state of nature, they are unable to handle themselves without being somehow led astray by aspirations driven by power and glory. Without a powerful sovereign authority, Hobbes believes that the government would eventually be led to anarchy. His focus on the individual really derives from human motivation and factors concerning their judgement and …show more content…
Hobbes theory suggested that the role of sovereign authority is to present a clear interpretation of the law to those who consent to joining the rule of the sovereign. By putting the individual at the center of his theory, Hobbes was able to not only legitimize his reasoning behind why an absolutist government would be preferable, but also validate why humans need a absolute ruler in order to maintain peace and order. Therefore, according to Hobbes, as long as a government hasn't been arranged successfully, they will live in Hobbes depiction of the state of
Hobbes presents an argument for political authority that is radical for its time; it relies on individual consent as the foundation for legitimacy. But Hobbes wanted to ensure that placing the individual at the center of his theory would produce order and stability rather than disorder and chaos. How does Hobbes manage to bring his emphasis on individualism together with his desire for order or stability?
Hobbes argument for political authority is indeed radical for its time as it is not only absolutist but it also does rely on individual consent. Despite Hobbes’ emphasis on the individual, he does raise concerns of how human beings can live together in peace and ultimately avoid conflict. Due to Hobbes’ apparent lack of faith in the human race,Hobbes believes that where political authority exists, the people's only duty is to obey those in power since, according to his depiction of the state of nature, they are unable to handle themselves without being somehow led astray by aspirations driven by power and glory. Without a powerful sovereign authority, Hobbes believes that the government would eventually be led to anarchy. His focus on the individual really derives from human motivation and factors concerning their judgement and …show more content…
Hobbes theory suggested that the role of sovereign authority is to present a clear interpretation of the law to those who consent to joining the rule of the sovereign. By putting the individual at the center of his theory, Hobbes was able to not only legitimize his reasoning behind why an absolutist government would be preferable, but also validate why humans need a absolute ruler in order to maintain peace and order. Therefore, according to Hobbes, as long as a government hasn't been arranged successfully, they will live in Hobbes depiction of the state of