Hobbes Leviathan 14 study guide PDF

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PHL 111 Philosophical Ideas: Law Dr. Kevin Graham, Instructor Study Guide Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, Chapter XIV Name ____________________________________________________________ Date ____________________________ 1. How does Hobbes define “law of nature”, “right of nature”, and “liberty” on p. 79? Explain the definitions in your own words, as clearly and simply as you can. 

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Law of nature o Is the liberty each man hath to use his own power, as he will himself, for the preservation of his own nature, that is to say, of his own nature, that is to say, of his own life, and consequently of doing anything which, in his own judgement and reason, he shall conceive to be the aptest means thereunto. By Liberty o The absence of external impediments, which impediments may take away part of a man’s power to do what he would, but cannot hinder him from using the power left him, according as his judgment and reason shall dictate to him A Law of Nature o Is a precept or general rule, found out by reason, by which a man is forbidden to do that which is destructive of his life or taketh away the means of preserving the same, and to omit that by which he thinketh it may be best preserved

2. According to Hobbes on p. 80, what is the first law of nature? Why does Hobbes think that men should obey the first law of nature?  The first law of nature is to seek peace and follow it o Natural law demands that we seek peace because to seek peace is to fulfill our natural right to defend ourselves

3. According to Hobbes on p. 80, what is the right of nature? Why does Hobbes think that men have this right?  The right of nature according to Hobbes is by all means we can, to defend ourselves o If every man does what he wants, then they are in the condition of war o If other men will not lay down their right as well as he, then there is no reason for anyone to lay down his o So naturally one should be allowed to defend oneself in the pursuit of peace

4. According to Hobbes on p. 80, what is the second law of nature? Why does Hobbes think that men should obey the second law of nature?  The second law of nature states that “We must mutually divest ourselves of certain rights in order to escape the state of natural war.” o This requires a mutual transferring of rights, called a contract, and it is the basis of the notion of moral obligation  For example, I give up my right to kill you if you give up your right to kill me  For the sake of self-preservation 5. How does Hobbes define “injustice” on p. 81? How does Hobbes think that injustice is related to the renunciation or transfer of a right?  Those who go against these natural laws and break contracts have considered to commit an injustice

6. How does Hobbes define “contract” on p. 82? What is the relationship between a contract and a right?  

The mutual transferring of right is that which men call Contract In this sense, man sets up an imaginary contract to give up certain rights for the sake of self-preservation

7. According to Hobbes on pp. 84-85, under what circumstances is a contract or covenant of mutual trust void? Why is such a contract void under these circumstances? Explain.  If a covenant is made where neither of the parties perform presently, but trust one another, in the condition of mere nature upon any reasonable suspicion it is void, but if there be a common power set over them both then it is not void  Because the bonds of words are too weak to bridle men’s ambition, anger and other passions, without the fear of some coercive power

8. According to Hobbes on p. 86, is a contract or covenant made in fear binding? Why or why not? Explain.  Covenants entered into fear, in the condition of mere nature are obligatory o For example, if I covenant to pay ransom, or service, for my life, to an enemy, I am bound by it. o For it is a contract wherein one receives the benefits of life, and the other is to receive money or a service, no law forbids the performance of this contract o Therefore prisoners of war, if trusted with the payment of their ransom are obliged to pay it

9. According to Hobbes on pp. 87-88, what passion can we count upon to motivate men to keep their contracts? Why can we count on this passion but not on others? Explain.  Fear of the consequence of breaking their word, or a glory or pride in appearing not to need to break it...