Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher who lived in the 17th century He is best known for his book Leviathan, which has become the central text for modern political philosophy. Hobbes argued for a social contract where people willingly submit to an absolute sovereign in order to achieve peace and security. He argued that without a strong central power, life would degenerate into a “war of all against all.”
Hobbes’ theory of government remains influential today, as it formed the basis for the modern understanding of civil liberties, separation of powers, and representative government. His ideas have been influential in international relations, particularly with regards to the development of international law and the establishment of democratic governments.
The five best examples of how Hobbes’ theories can be applied to modern society include:
1. Separation of Powers: Hobbes believed in a separation of powers, in which the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government each held some authority. This concept of government is seen in many modern democracies, where the powers of the government are divided between different branches in order to ensure that no one branch has too much power.
2. Rule of Law: Hobbes argued that an absolute sovereign was necessary to ensure that laws were obeyed and justice was served. This concept is seen in modern democracies, where laws are upheld by the government and justice is carried out through the legal system.
3. Constitutionalism: Hobbes believed that a strong sovereign was needed to maintain order and enforce laws, but also that there should be a written constitution to limit the powers of the sovereign and protect the rights of citizens. This idea of constitutionalism is seen in many modern democracies, where citizens are protected from the arbitrary use of power by their governments.
4. International Law: Hobbes believed that in order to maintain peace and security, a system of international law should exist between nations. This concept is seen today in international systems such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, where international law is used to regulate relations between nations.
5. Democracy: Hobbes argued that a strong sovereign was needed to maintain order and security, but he also believed that the people should have a say in how the government was run. This idea of democracy is seen in modern democracies, where citizens elect their representatives and can influence policy through this form of participation.
Hobbes’ theories remain important and relevant today, as they provide a foundation for modern government and international law. His ideas of separation of powers, rule of law, constitutionalism, international law, and democracy are all important concepts in the modern world and form the basis of the governments of many countries today.