TÉORICOS DO ABSOLUTISMO - Hobbes, Bondin e Bossuet.

Summary

In this video, the instructor explores key theories of absolutism, starting with Machiavelli’s advocacy for a strong, fear-based state, where rulers may need to make morally questionable decisions to maintain power. The discussion then shifts to Thomas Hobbes, who argues for an absolute sovereign to prevent societal chaos, presenting the Leviathan as a metaphor for this necessary authority. The video also covers Jean Bodin and Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, both of whom support the divine right of kings, justifying absolute monarchy as a divinely ordained power. The theories collectively emphasize the need for centralized, unchallenged authority to ensure stability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Machiavelli argued that political power is more about pragmatism and maintaining control than adhering to moral or ethical standards. He believed that a ruler may need to act ruthlessly to preserve the state.
• 😀 According to Machiavelli, fear is a more reliable tool for maintaining power than love, as people are more likely to betray those they love, but not those they fear.
• 😀 Hobbes' theory in *Leviathan* emphasizes the necessity of a strong, centralized authority to prevent the chaos of the 'state of nature,' where individuals are in constant conflict.
• 😀 Hobbes introduced the concept of the 'social contract,' where individuals relinquish some freedoms in exchange for the security provided by a powerful sovereign.
• 😀 The 'state of nature,' as described by Hobbes, is a state of constant conflict (the 'war of all against all') that would lead to societal collapse without a strong ruler.
• 😀 Bodin supported the idea of absolute and perpetual sovereignty, arguing that the monarch's power should not be restricted by laws, only by divine law.
• 😀 Bodin believed that a strong, centralized monarchy was necessary to maintain order, arguing that the only limitations on a monarch's power should come from divine law.
• 😀 Bossuet supported the divine right of kings, claiming that monarchs rule by God's will and are answerable only to God, not to their subjects or other institutions.
• 😀 According to Bossuet, opposing the king was akin to opposing God's will, making rebellion against the monarch a mortal sin.
• 😀 All these theorists (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Bodin, and Bossuet) justified absolute monarchy as a means to maintain order, security, and stability in a tumultuous society.

Q & A

What is Machiavelli's view on the role of a ruler in maintaining state control?

Machiavelli believes that a ruler must be willing to use any means necessary, including force and deceit, to maintain control over the state. He argues that political survival sometimes requires actions that may be seen as immoral, such as executing a traitor, as long as they serve the greater good of the state.

How does Machiavelli differentiate politics from ethics?

Machiavelli argues that politics cannot be judged by traditional ethical standards. In politics, rulers may have to make difficult, morally questionable decisions in order to maintain stability and sovereignty, which might not align with Christian or moral principles.

What is Hobbes' concept of the 'state of nature'?

Hobbes' 'state of nature' refers to a condition where individuals have complete freedom, but this leads to constant conflict, as everyone pursues their own desires without any authority to impose order. This results in a 'war of all against all,' which is chaotic and unsafe for everyone.

Why does Hobbes advocate for the establishment of a strong, centralized state?

Hobbes believes that a strong, centralized state is necessary to prevent the chaos of the 'state of nature.' He argues that individuals must enter into a social contract, surrendering some of their freedoms to a sovereign authority, in exchange for protection and order.

What does Hobbes mean by the term 'Leviathan' in his theory?

The 'Leviathan' in Hobbes' theory is a metaphor for the sovereign state, a powerful, almost indestructible entity that imposes order and ensures peace. Just as the biblical Leviathan is a force of nature, Hobbes' Leviathan represents the necessity of a strong, centralized power to prevent societal collapse.

How does Hobbes' social contract theory justify the need for absolute sovereignty?

In Hobbes' social contract, individuals agree to give up certain freedoms in exchange for the security and protection provided by a sovereign. This central authority must have absolute power to prevent conflict and ensure peace, which is why Hobbes advocates for absolute sovereignty.

What is the role of divine law in Bodin's theory of sovereignty?

Jean Bodin argues that the sovereign's power is absolute and perpetual, but the only limits on this power are divine law and natural law. He believes that the sovereign is above secular laws, but must still adhere to divine principles to maintain legitimacy.

How does Bodin's theory of sovereignty compare to Hobbes' views on power?

Both Bodin and Hobbes advocate for absolute sovereignty, but Bodin's theory emphasizes the notion of perpetual and unlimited power, which is only constrained by divine and natural law. Hobbes, on the other hand, focuses more on the necessity of centralizing power to prevent chaos and maintain security.

What is the divine right of kings, as explained by Jacques Bossuet?

Jacques Bossuet argues that kings derive their authority directly from God, and therefore, their power is absolute and unquestionable. Challenging the king is considered a sin against divine will, as it contradicts God's plan for the monarch to rule.

How does the concept of the divine right of kings justify absolute monarchy?

The divine right of kings justifies absolute monarchy by asserting that monarchs are God's chosen rulers, and their power is divinely ordained. Since kings answer only to God and not to their subjects, their authority is absolute and cannot be challenged by any earthly institution or law.