✨CONTRATO SOCIAL✨, Lei Natural e Direitos Naturais: Thomas Hobbes

Summary

In this video, Professor Leandro Cordioli delves into Thomas Hobbes' philosophy, specifically the first precept of natural law in his work *Leviathan*. Hobbes' view on the state of nature is discussed, where humans are free yet constantly at risk due to the absence of a sovereign power. The concept of natural rights, the importance of seeking peace, and the necessity of a sovereign to prevent a state of constant war are explored. The professor also touches on Hobbes' interpretation of justice, law, and morality, emphasizing how these concepts emerge only within a structured civil society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thomas Hobbes, a key figure in classical liberalism, is known for his work *Leviathan* and his belief that humans are naturally in a constant state of conflict without a sovereign power.
• 😀 Hobbes argues that in the state of nature, humans are equal in physical and intellectual abilities, but this leads to competition and potential violence over limited resources.
• 😀 Hobbes' famous idea that 'man is a wolf to man' illustrates his view that without a sovereign authority, humans are in a state of constant war with one another.
• 😀 The absence of moral rules or justice in the state of nature means humans are free to act however they wish, guided only by their strength and intelligence.
• 😀 Despite the freedom in the state of nature, Hobbes argues that this leads to a constant fear of death and a lack of security, creating a state of 'war of all against all'.
• 😀 Hobbes identifies the first law of nature as the pursuit of peace, with individuals being compelled to seek peace to avoid perpetual conflict and the threat of death.
• 😀 If peace is unattainable, Hobbes allows for the use of force as a natural right to defend oneself and secure survival.
• 😀 The second law of nature states that individuals must give up certain freedoms in exchange for the peace and protection afforded by a social contract, making it essential for the survival of all.
• 😀 Hobbes emphasizes that justice and morality only emerge once a sovereign authority is established, as laws are required to define what belongs to whom.
• 😀 The social contract, as defined by Hobbes, is the foundation of civil society, where individuals surrender certain natural freedoms to a sovereign with the power to enforce laws and ensure order.
• 😀 Hobbes' theory diverges from classical natural law theories, particularly those of Thomas Aquinas, by prioritizing security and peace over moral concepts of good and evil before the establishment of sovereign power.

Q & A

Who is Thomas Hobbes, and why is he important in philosophy?

Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher born in 1588 and known for his work 'Leviathan.' He is one of the foundational figures of classical liberalism and is famous for his view that humans are naturally in conflict with one another without a sovereign power to maintain order.

What does Hobbes mean by 'the state of nature'?

The 'state of nature' refers to the hypothetical condition in which humans exist without a governing authority. According to Hobbes, in this state, everyone is equal and free, but this leads to a constant state of war where people are in competition for limited resources.

What is the first precept of natural law according to Hobbes?

The first precept of natural law, according to Hobbes, is that every person should strive for peace, as long as they believe it is achievable. If peace is unattainable, individuals may resort to war as a last option.

How does Hobbes define natural rights?

Natural rights, according to Hobbes, refer to the liberty every individual has to use their power as they see fit in order to preserve their life. This includes taking whatever resources they can acquire through force or cunning.

Why does Hobbes believe that moral rules and justice only exist within a sovereign state?

Hobbes argues that moral rules and justice do not exist in the state of nature because there is no authority to enforce them. Justice, for Hobbes, is only possible once a sovereign power is established to define and uphold laws.

What is the role of fear and hope in Hobbes' view of human behavior?

Fear and hope are central to Hobbes' philosophy. Fear drives humans to avoid danger, while hope motivates them to seek peace. These emotions influence individuals to use reason to navigate the conflict and pursue peace or self-preservation.

How does Hobbes' natural law differ from other natural law theories, such as those of Thomas Aquinas?

Hobbes' natural law differs from that of Thomas Aquinas in that Hobbes emphasizes the individual's desire for self-preservation and peace, whereas Aquinas' view is rooted in the pursuit of the good and avoidance of evil based on divine law.

What does Hobbes mean by 'the right of nature'?

The right of nature refers to the inherent freedom every individual possesses in the state of nature. This includes the freedom to do whatever is necessary to preserve one's life, even if it means infringing on the rights of others.

What is the second precept of natural law, according to Hobbes?

The second precept of natural law dictates that individuals should mutually agree to limit their rights to all things in order to facilitate peaceful coexistence. This involves giving up certain freedoms in exchange for the safety and security provided by others.

How does Hobbes justify the need for a sovereign to enforce laws?

Hobbes justifies the need for a sovereign by explaining that only through the establishment of a common power can laws be enforced, ensuring the preservation of peace and preventing the state of constant war that would arise in the absence of authority.