Entendendo o Leviatã, de Thomas Hobbes (Absolutismo Monárquico)

Summary

In this video, the presenter dives into the concept of absolute monarchy, focusing on Thomas Hobbes, a key philosopher from the 16th and 17th centuries. Hobbes' most notable idea, presented in his work *Leviathan*, argues that humans in their natural state are driven by self-preservation and are in constant conflict. He proposes that individuals must give up their natural rights to a sovereign authority (a monarch) to avoid chaos and ensure security. The video explores Hobbes' influence on English political thought and his contribution to the development of absolute monarchy and the social contract theory.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hobbes was a 16th-17th century philosopher who significantly influenced the theory of absolutism, especially in England.
• 😀 Hobbes was born in 1588 in England and lived until 1679, contributing greatly to political theory and theology.
• 😀 Hobbes' most famous work is 'Leviathan,' a complex treatise on the nature of human beings and the need for an absolute sovereign.
• 😀 Hobbes argued that humans, in their natural state, are in a constant state of war due to their selfish instincts, without laws or order.
• 😀 According to Hobbes, humans have natural rights but need a strong central authority to maintain peace and protect society from chaos.
• 😀 The idea of the 'state of nature' is key in Hobbes' theory, where there are no laws or rules, and survival becomes the highest priority.
• 😀 Hobbes posited that people willingly surrender their natural rights and create a social contract with a sovereign authority to maintain order.
• 😀 He envisioned this sovereign, often a monarch, as having absolute power over the people, with the authority to enforce laws and decisions.
• 😀 The 'Leviathan' metaphor represents the absolute power of the sovereign, who is the ultimate protector and decision-maker for the people.
• 😀 Hobbes' ideas influenced English political thought, particularly during the period of the Stuart monarchy and the English Civil War.
• 😀 Hobbes' theory suggested that even a weak person could challenge a stronger one in the 'state of nature' if they worked together, emphasizing the inherent equality of human beings in such a state.

Q & A

Who is Thomas Hobbes, and what are the key aspects of his background?

Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher born in 1588 and died in 1679. He studied at Oxford and contributed significantly to political philosophy, especially through his work on the concept of absolutism. He is best known for his book *Leviathan*, where he explored human nature, justice, and the social contract theory.

What is the central idea of Thomas Hobbes' philosophy regarding human nature?

Hobbes believed that humans in their natural state are driven by self-interest and are in constant conflict. Without a governing force, society would descend into chaos and 'war of all against all'. He argued that humans are naturally equal in faculties, and in the state of nature, they would engage in constant struggles for survival.

How does Hobbes define the 'state of nature'?

The 'state of nature' refers to a condition where there are no laws or governing authorities. In this state, humans are free to do as they wish, but this freedom leads to insecurity, as individuals constantly fear for their survival, leading to a perpetual state of war.

What role does the concept of the 'social contract' play in Hobbes' philosophy?

Hobbes argued that to escape the state of nature and the constant threat of violence, individuals agree to a social contract. In this contract, they surrender certain freedoms to a sovereign (usually a monarch) in exchange for security and order.

What is the Leviathan, and what does it represent in Hobbes' theory?

The *Leviathan* is Hobbes' metaphor for the sovereign authority that is created through the social contract. It represents a powerful, centralized authority, usually a monarch, which is needed to maintain peace and order in society.

What is Hobbes' view on the legitimacy of absolute monarchy?

Hobbes believed that absolute monarchy was the ideal form of government because it centralized power in the hands of a single ruler who could enforce laws and protect the people. He argued that the sovereign's authority must be absolute, as only this can ensure stability and prevent society from descending into chaos.

What is the significance of Hobbes' idea that 'sovereign power' should not be questioned?

Hobbes' theory emphasizes that the sovereign, once given power by the people, should not be questioned or challenged. The sovereign represents the collective will of the people, and their decisions are final. This reflects Hobbes' belief in the necessity of a strong, unquestionable authority to prevent civil strife.

What was Hobbes' stance on human equality?

Hobbes argued that humans are fundamentally equal in their faculties, both physically and mentally. This equality means that even the weakest person could potentially harm the strongest, leading to a society where everyone is in constant competition for resources and safety.

How did Hobbes influence political thought in England?

Hobbes influenced English political thought by promoting the idea of a sovereign with absolute power, especially during a time when England was dealing with civil war and the tension between monarchic and parliamentary power. His works influenced later political theories, particularly regarding the authority of the monarchy.

Why did Hobbes believe that a powerful sovereign was necessary?

Hobbes believed that a powerful sovereign was necessary to ensure peace and security. Without a central authority, individuals would constantly be in conflict, and society would remain in a state of violence and disorder. The sovereign, therefore, becomes the protector of society, enforcing laws and maintaining order.