Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Thomas Hobbes, in his seminal work Leviathan, presents a complex and influential political theory centered around the concept of the Leviathan, a metaphorical sovereign entity that embodies the collective power and authority of a society. This paper provides a critical analysis of Hobbes' concept of the Leviathan, examining its historical context, theoretical underpinnings, and implications for political philosophy. The analysis begins by exploring the state of nature as described by Hobbes, wherein human beings are depicted as self-interested and driven by a desire for self-preservation. In this pre-social condition, individuals exist in a perpetual state of conflict and insecurity, leading to a "war of all against all." Hobbes argues that to escape this chaotic state, individuals must enter into a social contract and create a commonwealth governed by a sovereign authority, the Leviathan. The Leviathan, according to Hobbes, represents an all-powerful and indivisible sovereign that acts as the ultimate authority within the commonwealth. This entity is vested with the power to establish and enforce laws, maintain order, and protect the security and well-being of its subjects. The concept of the Leviathan thus serves as a foundational element in Hobbes' political theory, providing a theoretical framework for understanding the nature of political authority and the legitimacy of governmental power. Critics of Hobbes have raised various objections to his concept of the Leviathan, questioning its implications for individual liberty, the nature of sovereignty, and the potential for authoritarianism. Some scholars have argued that the Leviathan represents an overly centralized and absolute form of political authority, which may suppress individual freedoms and perpetuate tyranny. Others have criticized Hobbes' pessimistic view of human nature, suggesting that his emphasis on self-interest and conflict overlooks the potential for cooperation and social harmony. Despite these criticisms, Hobbes' concept of the Leviathan continues to be a subject of debate and analysis in contemporary political philosophy. By critically examining the historical context, theoretical foundations, and implications of the Leviathan, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of Hobbes' political theory and its enduring relevance in the study of political philosophy. In conclusion, the concept of the Leviathan represents a central theme in Thomas Hobbes' political philosophy, offering a provocative and influential perspective on the nature of political authority and the role of the state in society. Through a critical analysis of the Leviathan, this paper sheds light on the complexities and implications of Hobbes' political theory, highlighting its significance in the history of political thought.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1THE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This study is an attempt to examine the idea of the Leviathan in Thomas Hobbes political philosophy. Before we discuss his philosophy of society we need to know what was happening before he came.

There Was the problem of the excessive use of power in the society.One could rule in as much as he commanded obedience from others by the use of brute power and force. This led to conflict and self-centeredness among humans.

An attempt to escape from the above crisis led Hobbes to postulate a common wealth or the state as a platform for organizing human beings or what he called the Leviathan. The idea of the Leviathan aimed at providing a means by which men can overcome the disorder in the natural state.The people needed the state of nature, to fashion a contract, giving all their power to one man who becomes the sovereign.

From the above, the research question is this; Is the Leviathan construed either as a ruler or a State able to solve the problem of insecurity, self-centeredness and the egoism in the nature of man? Will the absolute power embedded in a Leviathan not lead to tyranny and abuses? These are some of the issues that this study intends to look into critically.

1.2STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The problem of this study can be put in question form:

Is the Leviathan immune to the egoistic nature of man which he has been chosen to guard against? Can the chaos and conflict which exists on the state of nature be eliminated with the institution of the common wealth? How does the Leviathan intend to tackle the problem of behaviorism and human nature which is egoistic and self-centered in order to ensure a peaceful human society wherein people will be law abiding? Will the absolute power embedded in the sovereign not lead to tyranny, totalitarianism and abuse? This project work tries to tackle some of these questions.

1.3THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This work aims at critically analyzing the concept of the Leviathan. It also attempt to proffer solutions to the problems identified in Hobbes theory.This work studies Hobbes notion of the society and how human beings can live together peacefully in a society. We may ask; how can humans evolve a peaceful system where law and order are properly defined?

1.4THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is significant in the sense that it emphasizes the wider breath of Hobbes conception of the leviathan. His intention is to capture all areas of life with an attempt of reconstructing the society into a better one by proffering the Leviathan. Effort will be made to review and apply his concept of the Leviathan in examining the view of human nature as egoistic and individualistic and how we can evolve a stable and viable society from such a human nature.

1.5THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This project work examines critically the concept of the Leviathan in Hobbes social and political philosophy. It looks into other concepts like the state of nature which led to the postulation of Leviathan. It advances theory and knowledge by expanding the view of other social contractarians in order to give a balanced view of our topic of study.

1.6METHODOLOGY

This research work uses the method of critical analysis to examine the idea of the Leviathan in Hobbes. The research tools to be used are archival materials such as textbooks, encyclopedia and internet sources. By using the critical method this study seeks to provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the idea of the Leviathan and the extent to which it can be a viable option for bringing about order, peace and cooperation in the society.

1.7LITERATURE REVIEW

The first book to be reviewed, is Thomas Hobbes Leviathan; by John plamenatz. He argued that The Leviathan was “chosen or instituted when men do agree and covenant every one that to whatsoever man or assembly of men shall be given by the major part the right to present the person of them all, that is to say to be their representative”.2 The Leviathan ensures them living in peace amongst themselves and be protected against other men.

The second book to be reviewed, is Elements of Philosophy by Samuel Enoch Stumpf and Donald C. Abel. Here,the argument is that the civil society created by the social contract must have power to punish those who transgress the agreement. Convinced that fear is the greatest motivator, the state must have sufficient positive power to terrify its citizens into obedience3

The third book to be reviewed is History of Political Thought by Anthony O. Okoh. Here there is an argument for the provision of an absolute ruler The Leviathan.He believed that it was only an absolute ruler that could tame the wicked tendencies which exhibited in the state of nature4.

The fourth book to be reviewed, is Philosophy Made Simple by Richard H.P.Here it was understood that since sovereignty is created by a covenant or contract, the subject retains all those natural rights that cannot be transferred by covenant5 To put it differently, since the subject has entered into the contract to preserve and protect his life, the subject cannot refuse to obey the sovereign.

The fifth book to be reviewed ,is Ethics: A Systematic and Historical Study by Joseph Omoregbe. Here Hobbes argues that men decided to come together and form an organized society since life was so in secured in the state of nature. They came together, made a social contract, empowered the sovereign to decide what should be done and what should not be done in the society.