FAQs
While we may have less total freedoms because we've given up some of them, the net benefit to society is more usable freedoms that remain. In other words, Hobbes is arguing for the golden rule, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" as the basis for a functioning society.
What is the Golden Rule Hobbes? ›
Golden Rule/Hobbes/Höffe: Hobbes' second "Law of Nature", a variant of the Golden Rule, explains: "Everyone should voluntarily renounce his right to everything [in the natural state], if he deems it necessary for the sake of peace and self-defence" (Leviathan, chap. 14).
What type of rule did Hobbes believe in? ›
Throughout his life, Hobbes believed that the only true and correct form of government was the absolute monarchy. He argued this most forcefully in his landmark work, Leviathan, written during the English Civil War.
How does Hobbes golden rule compare to Christ's golden rule? ›
Answer. Final answer: Christ's Golden Rule promotes obedience to laws based on empathy and mutual respect, while Hobbes' Golden Rule relies on the enforcement of laws by a powerful authority due to human self-interest, suggesting Hobbes' approach might be more universally effective.
Why did Hobbes believe in the rule of a king? ›
Hobbes believed in the rule of a king or queen because he felt a country needs an authority figure to provide direction and leadership. Because the people are only interested in promoting their own interests, Hobbes believed that democracy--allowing citizens to vote for government leaders--would never work.
What is the main golden rule? ›
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This seems the most familiar version of the golden rule, highlighting its helpful and proactive gold standard.
What does the Golden Rule say? ›
Most people grew up with the old adage: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Best known as the “golden rule”, it simply means you should treat others as you'd like to be treated.
What is Thomas Hobbes main belief? ›
Hobbes viewed government primarily as a device for ensuring collective security. Political authority is justified by a hypothetical social contract among the many that vests in a sovereign person or entity the responsibility for the safety and well-being of all.
What was Hobbes' main theory? ›
Hobbes is famous for his early and elaborate development of what has come to be known as “social contract theory”, the method of justifying political principles or arrangements by appeal to the agreement that would be made among suitably situated rational, free, and equal persons.
What were Thomas Hobbes' ideas? ›
His main concern is the problem of social and political order: how human beings can live together in peace and avoid the danger and fear of civil conflict. He poses stark alternatives: we should give our obedience to an unaccountable sovereign (a person or group empowered to decide every social and political issue).
The ancient Greek rhetorician, Isocrates, not to be confused with classical Greek philosopher, Socrates, taught his students the following: "Do not do to others that which angers you when they do it to you." Confucius, the influential Chinese philosopher, is credited with having said, "What you do not want done to ...
What is the main problem with the Golden Rule? ›
One, it fails to explain how to deal with non-reciprocation. Two, it fails to make clear that my obligations are obligations regardless of how I would wish to be treated by others. Three, it lacks any special value in explaining the right occasions for benevolence. And, four, it has no power to motivate benevolence.
What is the significance of the Golden Rule? ›
Abstract. The Golden Rule guides people to choose for others what they would choose for themselves. The Golden Rule is often described as 'putting yourself in someone else's shoes', or 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'(Baumrin 2004).
How does Thomas Hobbes justify absolute power of the king? ›
He ascribed nearly total power to the monarch in all affairs, and did not believe the people to have any right to rebel whatsoever. After all, according to Hobbes, a strong, absolute monarch was the only way to keep the naturally mean nature of human beings in check.
What did John Locke and Thomas Hobbes disagree on? ›
Hobbes believed that humans were to use their reason to leave the state of nature and submit to the absolute authority of the monarch. Locke believed that humans used their reason to exercise their three fundamental rights - life, liberty, and property.
Did Thomas Hobbes believe in divine right to rule? ›
Answer and Explanation: British philosopher Thomas Hobbes did not believe, nor support the concept of the divine right (i.e. the legitimization of an absolute monarch's authority by claiming that he or she was sanctioned by God to rule).
What refers to the Golden Rule of social justice? ›
Treat others as you would like others to treat you (positive or directive form) Do not treat others in ways that you would not like to be treated (negative or prohibitive form)
What is the general rule of reason Hobbes? ›
And consequently it is a precept, or generall rule of Reason, "That every man, ought to endeavour Peace, as farre as he has hope of obtaining it; and when he cannot obtain it, that he may seek, and use, all helps, and advantages of Warre." The first branch, of which Rule, containeth the first, and Fundamentall Law of ...
What is the Golden Rule of all religions? ›
World religions have more in common than most people imagine. A very basic tenet of every religion is what we call The Golden Rule. It is so well known, that even some who claim no religion at all know it: “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do To You.”
What is the Golden Rule of Buddhism? ›
Buddhism: “Whatever is disagreeable to yourself, do not do unto others” (The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18 – 6th century BC). Confucianism: “Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you” (Confucius, Analects 15.23 – 5th century BC).