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        general >> wanted >> Thomas Hobbes' ideas on todays world
        
(Message started by: towr on Feb 14^th, 2008, 4:29am)

Title: Thomas Hobbes' ideas on todays world
Post by towr on Feb 14^th, 2008, 4:29am

I'd like some input on what ideas Thomas Hobbes might have on todays world; especially of today's politics.
Why? you ask; because I'm following a course of political philosophy and I'm supposed to make a small (10 min) presentation on it next week, and I haven't the faintest. It's supposed to be a group assignment, but currently the group consists solely of me.

Title: Re: Thomas Hobbes' ideas on todays world
Post by ima1trkpny on Feb 14^th, 2008, 8:12am

on 02/14/08 at 04:29:36, towr wrote:

I'd like some input on what ideas Thomas Hobbes might have on todays world; especially of today's politics.

Well, to my knowledge, Hobbes was a big fan of a strong central government. Believing that if people were left to each govern themselves individually, they would create a state of "war of all against all". So he would probably approve of the strong central governments demonstrated in many modern countries. However he didn't believe in a seperation of powers, prefering a sovereign government that controls all aspects of the country and abuses of power are to be expected and tolerated to maintain a stabile society.
My guess is he'd be pleased with the number of strong governments in the world, but displeased with the checks and balances like those in the U.S. Constitution. Hobbes would also presumably like the competition between politicians, the idea being that it promotes stronger candidates, but once elected should keep their positions for life.
I hope you find some inspiration for your speech. If I knew more, I could be more helpful, but unfortunately my knowledge of some political philosophers is a little lacking. :-[

Title: Re: Thomas Hobbes' ideas on todays world
Post by BenVitale on Nov 20^th, 2009, 10:15pm

This is my first visit to the "Wanted" forum.

I don't like Hobbes' views, but whether we share his views or not, one cannot ignore Hobbes.

I read an article in behavorial sciences where the authors discuss his views on human nature.

And, a couple of years ago when I took few courses in philosophy I wrote an essay question on Hobbes.

According to Hobbes, humans in the state of nature are inherently in a "war of all against all," and that people only leave the state of nature to take part in a community in order to protect their property rights.

What do you think of Hobbes's Leviathan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviathan_(book)) ?
Is it a desirable place to live?