analyze the ideas of Thomas Hobbes and the Enlightenment thinker. Determine two ideas Hobbes had that were different from those of the Enlightenment thinkers. Determine two ideas Hobbes had that were different from those of the Enlightenment thinkers.

Answer 1

Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century philosopher, is well-known for his contributions to political philosophy through his work, Leviathan. His ideas are often contrasted with those of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and others who followed.

Two Ideas Where Hobbes Differs from Enlightenment Thinkers:

1. Human Nature and Society:

   • Hobbes: Hobbes had a rather pessimistic view of human nature, famously stating that in a state of nature, life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." He believed that humans are inherently self-interested and driven by fear of death and desire for self-preservation. This led him to argue for a strong centralized authority to prevent chaos and violence among individuals.
   • Enlightenment Thinkers: In contrast, many Enlightenment thinkers, especially Rousseau, saw humans in a more positive light. Rousseau believed that humans were inherently good and that it was society that corrupted them. Enlightenment thinkers often emphasized reason, the capacity for moral judgment, and the potential for individuals to improve themselves and society.

2. The Social Contract:

   • Hobbes: Hobbes’ concept of the social contract involved individuals surrendering their rights to an absolute sovereign in exchange for peace and security. He believed that any resistance to this sovereign would lead to a return to the chaos of the state of nature. For Hobbes, the Leviathan (the state) had absolute authority to maintain order and security.
   • Enlightenment Thinkers: Contrarily, many Enlightenment philosophers, like Locke, proposed a more democratic form of social contract. Locke argued that individuals retain certain inalienable rights (such as life, liberty, and property) even after entering into a social contract. If a government fails to protect these rights, the people have the right to revolt. Thus, Enlightenment thinkers promoted the ideas of limited government and individual rights.

Two Ideas Where Hobbes Aligns with Some Aspects of Enlightenment Thought:

1. Rational Basis for Government:

   • Alignment: Despite his absolutism, Hobbes shares with Enlightenment thinkers the idea that the authority of government should be based on rationality and social agreements rather than divine right or tradition. He provides a systematic, rational justification for why societies must have a governing authority.

2. The Concept of the Social Contract:

   • Alignment: While the content of Hobbes’ social contract differs from those of other Enlightenment thinkers, the very notion itself—that individuals consent to form societies and governments for mutual benefit—is a foundational principle shared by many Enlightenment philosophers. This concept highlights the transition from chaos to structured governance, which was a significant theme during the Enlightenment.

In summary, Hobbes’ views on human nature and the social contract diverge significantly from those of later Enlightenment thinkers, while also sharing foundational ideas regarding rational government and the concept of the social contract itself.