Thomas Hobbes’ Perspective on Absolute Monarchy- A Comprehensive Examination of His Beliefs
Did Thomas Hobbes Believe in Absolute Monarchy?
Thomas Hobbes, a prominent philosopher and political theorist of the 17th century, has been a subject of extensive debate and scrutiny regarding his views on government and political authority. One of the most contentious issues surrounding Hobbes is whether or not he believed in absolute monarchy. This article aims to explore this question, examining Hobbes’ arguments and their implications on the concept of absolute monarchy.
Hobbes’ most famous work, “Leviathan,” published in 1651, provides a detailed account of his political philosophy. In this seminal text, Hobbes argues that the state of nature is a “war of all against all,” where life is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” To escape this state, individuals enter into a social contract, surrendering their rights and freedoms to a sovereign authority in exchange for security and protection. This sovereign authority, according to Hobbes, must be absolute and拥有无上的权力，in order to maintain order and prevent the return to the state of nature.
However, the question of whether Hobbes believed in absolute monarchy is not straightforward. On one hand, his advocacy for an absolute sovereign authority could be interpreted as a support for absolute monarchy. He writes, “By the which words is meant, one that is not only judge, but also the executioner of the laws.” This statement suggests that the sovereign must have the power to enforce laws without interference from any other entity.
On the other hand, Hobbes’ arguments against tyranny and his emphasis on the rule of law raise questions about his stance on absolute monarchy. In “Leviathan,” he criticizes tyrants who “make their own will the law of the land.” Hobbes argues that such rulers are not truly sovereign and that their power is not legitimate. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of a written constitution that outlines the powers and limitations of the sovereign, suggesting that absolute power is not the ideal form of government.
To understand Hobbes’ views on absolute monarchy, it is essential to consider the historical context in which he wrote. During the English Civil War and the subsequent period of political instability, Hobbes sought to establish a strong central authority to prevent the recurrence of conflict. In this sense, his advocacy for an absolute sovereign authority was a means to achieve political stability and security.
In conclusion, while Thomas Hobbes’ arguments in “Leviathan” could be interpreted as supporting absolute monarchy, his overall political philosophy is more complex. His emphasis on the rule of law, his criticism of tyranny, and his historical context suggest that he may not have been an unconditional advocate for absolute monarchy. Instead, his views on government and political authority reflect a nuanced understanding of the challenges and trade-offs involved in creating a stable and secure society.
