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Summary Thomas Hobbes & Classical Realism
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This document has quotes (with references) and analysis of Thomas Hobbes Leviathan regarding Hobbes classical realist thought.
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Thomas Hobbes, (1981) Leviathan Pinguin Books, Of the Natural[sic] Condition of Mankind, as concerning their Felicity, and Misery
- What are the core elements of classical realism?
Nature has made all men equal in terms of physicality and the mind. Although there
are differences in one man’s strength to another, they both acquire enough strength
in order to kill or outpower one another in some way.
“the weakest has strength enough to kill the strongest” (Hobbes 1981 page 183)
Equally all men are born with a naivety that changes over time through growth.
“For prudence is but experience; which equal time, equally bestows on all men”
(Hobbes 1981 page 183)
Men compare their attributes to others and in doing so undermine their own abilities
or overestimate their own abilities, refusing to believe others are equal to them.
“They may acknowledge many others to be more witty, or more eloquent, or more
learned; Yet they will hardly believe there being many so wise as themselves”
(Hobbes 1981 page 184)
“But this proveth rather that men are in that point are equal” (Hobbes 1981 page
184)
This equality amongst men mirrors their equal hopes and drives to attain their
purpose or desires. If two men seek the same purpose, then it is in their nature to
turn against each other.
“endeavour to destroy or subdue one another” (Hobbes 1981 page 184)
If an invader or a competitor seeks to displace a man of his single power then they
seek complete destruction of that man’s livelihood, possessions and life.
“Deprive him, not only of the fruits of his Labour, but also of his life or Liberty
“(Hobbes 1981 page 184)
However, through this notion the invader or competitor then places himself in the
position of the previous man to be displaced.
“the Invader again in the like danger of another” (Hobbes 1981 page 184)
Due to this cycle, men must seek security through power and domination by
inflicting their force over other men to prevent himself being endanger from
invasion.
“To master the persons of all men he can, so long, till he see no other power great
enough to endanger him” (Hobbes 1981 page 184)
However, men do not value ‘power’ that is not respected or admired by others.
“Men have no pleasure…In keeping company where there is no power able to over-
awe them all” (Hobbes 1981 page 185)
As there is no singular power available to rule all men, the three principles keep
mankind in a state of war against each other.
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