Thomas Hobbes’ “Leviathan”: The Foundation of Social Contract Theory

WPS.News History Correspondent
Baybay City | February 15, 2025

Thomas Hobbes, a seminal figure in political philosophy, profoundly influenced the understanding of human nature and governance with his work “Leviathan,” published in 1651. Amidst the backdrop of the English Civil War, Hobbes sought to unravel the chaos he observed by delving into the fundamental aspects of human nature and the necessity of political order.

In “Leviathan,” Hobbes posits that the natural state of humanity, which he refers to as the state of nature, is a pre-political condition characterized by an anarchic and perpetual “war of all against all.” According to Hobbes, in this state, every individual has a natural right to everything, leading inevitably to constant conflict, as there are no defined laws or authorities to mediate interests. Humans, driven by basic desires and needs such as security, power, and resources, are naturally inclined towards competition, distrust, and violence.

Hobbes famously writes, “life in the state of nature is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short,” capturing the essence of his perception of human existence without societal structures. This bleak outlook underscores his belief that individuals, acting solely in their self-interest, cannot achieve lasting peace and security. Thus, the natural state is unsustainable if humans wish to preserve life and pursue any form of cooperative achievement.

To escape this destructive state of nature, Hobbes argues for the necessity of a social contract, an implicit agreement among individuals to surrender certain freedoms and submit to the authority of a sovereign in exchange for security and order. This social contract forms the basis of societal structures and governance, laying the groundwork for modern political systems.

The sovereign, as conceptualized by Hobbes, wields absolute power to enforce order and ensure the laws of the contract are adhered to by the society. This central authority, which could be a monarch or a governing assembly, embodies the collective will of the people, ensuring peace and deterring the return to the chaos of the state of nature. Hobbes believes that only through such an authoritative figure can conflict be mitigated, and social cooperation achieved, thus allowing humans to thrive beyond mere survival.

Critically, Hobbes’ theory pivots on the idea that human beings, rational in pursuit of self-preservation, will recognize the merits of such a system despite the sacrifices of certain freedoms. This concept of an absolute sovereign was revolutionary for his time, advocating a societal structure grounded on mutual agreements rather than divine right or hereditary rule.

Hobbes’ thoughts on human nature and governance have sparked extensive debate and interpretation. While some criticize his preference for absolute authority, fearing potential tyranny, others commend his realistic appraisal of human’s predispositions and the innovative solution he provides for sustaining social order.

In contemporary discourse, Hobbes’ ideas reverberate throughout discussions on the nature of justice, authority, and the role of government in legitimizing power. The reconciliation between individual rights and collective security, so central to Hobbes’ work, remains a pivotal issue in modern political theory and practice.

Ultimately, Thomas Hobbes’ “Leviathan” is more than a historical treatise; it is a foundational text that challenges us to reflect on the nature of power, the origins of society, and the philosophical underpinnings of governance, sustaining its relevance across centuries of political thought and social development.