Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 88: Thomas Hobbes, Systematic Chaos, Thought Experiment
Document Summary
According to preferred definition of politics from the last lecture, politics: involves violence, requires strong leaders, is a way of dealing with conflict, is best left to the experts. Communities that claim a monopoly of legitimate violence. Fear: fear and i were born twins . War: english civil war (political state disintegrated) Peace: fundamental law of nature (to be rational human being, seek peace) State needs to be extremely powerful to avoid interpersonal conflict. Introspection: know thyself (consult your own mind) Continual success in getting everything you want. Power: one"s present means to obtain some future apparent good . Predominantly self-regarding: think about yourself but recognize others needs. Seek to enhance reputation: care about what others think. Removed political authority leads to reason to attack first. Hobbes thinks not naturally taught to attack. Wants felicity but want power (friend"s, reputation, money) No longer a threat if you attack.