Hobbes Natural Law: A Different Perspective

In the vast landscape of philosophical thought, the name Hobbes and Natural Law might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of this intricate concept. Yet, the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes offers a unique perspective on Natural Law that departs from the conventional notions associated with this idea. To delve into Hobbes’s interpretation is to explore an alternate path, one that challenges traditional views and invites us to reconsider the nature of law, morality, and human society.

Thomas Hobbes: A Maverick in Philosophy

Thomas Hobbes was a maverick of his time, a thinker whose ideas often diverged from the prevailing philosophical currents. In his magnum opus, “Leviathan,” Hobbes set forth a comprehensive political and moral philosophy that had a profound impact on subsequent thinkers. While his views on Natural Law may not align with the conventional interpretations, they are essential to understanding the spectrum of ideas within this philosophical tradition.

A Departure from Tradition

Traditional conceptions of Natural Law posit that it is an objective, eternal, and universal set of moral principles rooted in human nature and discernible by reason. Hobbes, however, challenges these notions. In his view, there is no such thing as Natural Law in the traditional sense. He contends that moral principles are not inherently grounded in the nature of things but are social constructs.

The State of Nature

Hobbes’s departure from conventional Natural Law philosophy is most evident in his portrayal of the “state of nature.” Unlike earlier thinkers who saw the state of nature as a realm governed by natural moral laws, Hobbes paints a bleak picture. He characterizes the state of nature as a condition of “war of every man against every man,” where life is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” In this vision, there is no room for traditional moral principles to guide human conduct.

The Social Contract

Hobbes’s alternative to traditional Natural Law is the social contract. He posits that individuals, recognizing the chaos and insecurity of the state of nature, come together to form a social contract or covenant. This contract creates a commonwealth or Leviathan, a powerful authority that maintains peace and order. In this social contract, individuals surrender their natural rights and submit to the authority of the Leviathan, which, in turn, enforces laws and maintains order.

The “Law of Nature”

Hobbes’s theory still includes a notion of “law of nature,” but it is vastly different from the traditional understanding of Natural Law. In Hobbes’s view, the “law of nature” is a precept or general rule that allows individuals to seek peace and self-preservation. It is not a set of moral principles but a practical guide for survival in the absence of traditional moral laws.

Moral Subjectivism

Hobbes’s perspective can be seen as a form of moral subjectivism, where moral principles are not objective but dependent on individual or societal preferences. What is right or wrong is determined by the laws and conventions established by the Leviathan, not by an inherent and universal set of moral truths.

Hobbes’s Legacy

Hobbes’s views on Natural Law had a lasting impact on political philosophy and the theory of the state. His vision of the Leviathan as a powerful sovereign authority influenced subsequent discussions on political power and authority. While his departure from traditional Natural Law philosophy raised many questions and criticisms, it also opened new avenues of inquiry into the nature of law, morality, and governance.

Contemporary Relevance

Hobbes’s perspective on Natural Law continues to resonate in contemporary discussions on political authority, the role of the state, and the nature of moral principles. Philosophers and political theorists still engage with the questions raised by Hobbes, exploring the boundaries of law and morality in a complex and diverse society.

Conclusion: A Provocative Departure

Hobbes’s interpretation of Natural Law may be a departure from tradition, but it is a provocative one that challenges our preconceived notions. His vision of a social contract and a Leviathan as the enforcer of laws offers a different lens through which to examine the nature of law and morality in society. While Hobbes may not align with the conventional wisdom of Natural Law, his contribution to the philosophical discourse is a thought-provoking departure that continues to inspire philosophical inquiry.