Introduction to Thomas Hobbes This powerpoint begins with

Introduction to Thomas Hobbes • This powerpoint begins with some background on Hobbes' era and his ethics. • As you read ask yourself the following questions • What are the underlying assumptions of Hobbes' ethics? • How and why are they different from previous ethical theory?

Hobbes was the 1 st ethics of the "new science" • Hobbes' theory has two parts • His psychology, which is based on the principles of the "new science" • His ethics and political theory, which are based on the psychology he developed.

Hobbes' "mechanistic psychology" • Mechanistic Materialism: • everything is ultimately reducible to material bodies in motion. • mental phenomena = physiological motions • He makes a distinction between "vital" and "voluntary" motion. • Which of these does he call "endeavours”?

Endeavours continued. . . • There are two kinds of endeavors. • Desires and Aversions • How does he define GOOD and EVIL? • GOOD = those things we desire • EVIL = those things we fear • Are good and evil absolute or relative? • Remember: mental phenomena = physiological motions

Hobbes' "state of nature" • What are the main characteristics of this "state"? • How does he argue that all men are equal? • What aspect of a human being does he set aside and why? • What results from all men being equal? • How do men become enemies?

War as "natural state" of man • Why does he think war is the "natural state" of man? ? • When does the "state of nature" exist? • What prevents war? • In the "state of war" man's life will be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short. " Why? What elements of life would be missing in the “state of nature”?

Origins of Society • Society originates out of self-interest and fear, not out of affection for other humans. • We have "natural rights. ” • We have a right to protect our life and "members. " • We have a right to use all means to preserve ourselves. • Everyone has a right to everything. • What results from this right? [WAR]

Forming a Society • Are social relations natural or artificial for Hobbes? • Can there be justice in the "state of nature"? Why or why not? • How do we decide to form a "social compact"? • What is the "general rule of reason"? • What is its role in forming a society?

Role of Reason in Forming a State • The "general rule of reason" has two parts • The first “law of nature” is that we should seek peace and follow it • But, if peace is not possible, we should use all means we can to defend ourselves • The second "law of nature" • We should lay down our right to all things if others agree to.

The state is a "commonwealth instituted by covenant" • What kind of civil power does Hobbes argue for? Why does he argue for this kind of government? • The transfer of power must be voluntary. • Certain "rights" are inalienable. ” [There are certain things a ruler cannot make us give up. ] • A 3 rd "law of nature" is needed to make the 2 nd law work. What is it?

Summary • Hobbes argues for: • A scientific basis for morality • A prudential self-interested basis for the state. • Morality as entirely conventional. • State power as centralized, absolute and undivided. The social contract is not revocable.