Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Thomas Hobbes, Rationality
26 Feb 2016
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Most famous book is leviathan (1651)- an argument for why we need state. War (state of nature is a state of war) Powerful state is needed to avoid disastrous interpersonal conflict. Felicity (being successful and getting what you want) Seek to enhance reputation (it is a source of power) Uncertainty (if you want power, attack them before they attack you) Three reasons to attack: competition: attack for gain, lack of trust: attack for safety, glory: attack for reputation. Natural right of liberty aka the right of nature (freedom of each individual to do whatever means necessary in order protect themselves) No injustice (can"t break the law because there is no laws and/or lawgiver) Fundamental law: seek peace, if you can get it. Second law: lay down your natural right, if others do too. Third law: perform your covenants (time sensitive promises) It is rational for individuals to attack others. It is rational for the collective to seek peace.
