PHI 2183 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Human Nature, Leviathan
5 Apr 2016
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Monarchy (re-)established by and with role of parliament. In his youth, very much in support of the monarchy. Not necessarily supporting monarchy, but supporting an absolute, powerful government. We begin in the state of nature. We need law to control desiring creatures. Right to nature = do whatever is in your self-interest. Everyone"s strengths are neutralized by those of others. Lay down arms, limit self-interest, etc. if others will. Each gives every individual right of nature to the central power. This power is charged with enforcing peace. All law by the sovereign are valid, no matter the content. Laws can be unjust as long as they provide peace. From extreme state to extreme political power. Accepts limits on behavior, if others do. We invent it in response to the state of nature. It"s not dropped form the heavens (like in plato) All people are equal as they have equal capacity to harm others.
