1. Introduction to Thomas Hobbes
This powerpoint begins with some background on Hobbes' era and his ethics.
As you read ask yourself the following questions
What are the underlying assumptions of Hobbes' ethics?
How and why are they different from previous ethical theory?

2. Hobbes was the 1st ethics of the "new science"
Hobbes' theory has two parts
His psychology, which is based on the principles of the "new science"
His ethics and political theory, which are based on the psychology he developed.

3. Hobbes' "mechanistic psychology"
Mechanistic Materialism:
everything is ultimately reducible to material bodies in motion.
mental phenomena = physiological motions
He makes a distinction between "vital" and "voluntary" motion.
Which of these does he call "endeavours”?

4. Endeavours continued... There are two kinds of endeavors.
Desires and Aversions
How does he define GOOD and EVIL?
GOOD = those things we desire
EVIL = those things we fear
Are good and evil absolute or relative?
Remember: mental phenomena = physiological motions

5. Hobbes' "state of nature"
What are the main characteristics of this "state"?
How does he argue that all men are equal?
What aspect of a human being does he set aside and why?
What results from all men being equal?
How do men become enemies?

6. War as "natural state" of man
Why does he think war is the "natural state" of man??
When does the "state of nature" exist?
What prevents war?
In the "state of war" man's life will be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short." Why? What elements of life would be missing in the “state of nature”?

7. Origins of Society
Society originates out of self-interest and fear, not out of affection for other humans.
We have "natural rights.”
We have a right to protect our life and "members."
We have a right to use all means to preserve ourselves.
Everyone has a right to everything.
What results from this right? [WAR]

8. Forming a Society
Are social relations natural or artificial for Hobbes?
Can there be justice in the "state of nature"? Why or why not?
How do we decide to form a "social compact"?
What is the "general rule of reason"?
What is its role in forming a society?

9. Role of Reason in Forming a State
The "general rule of reason" has two parts
The first “law of nature” is that we should seek peace and follow it
But, if peace is not possible, we should use all means we can to defend ourselves
The second "law of nature"
We should lay down our right to all things if others agree to.
We should be content with "equal liberty"

10. The state is a "commonwealth instituted by covenant"
What kind of civil power does Hobbes argue for? Why does he argue for this kind of government?
The transfer of power must be voluntary.
Certain "rights" are inalienable.” [There are certain things a ruler cannot make us give up.]
A 3rd "law of nature" is needed to make the 2nd law work. What is it?
How is justice produced by this 3rd law?

11. Summary Hobbes argues for: A scientific basis for morality
A prudential self-interested basis for the state.
Morality as entirely conventional.
State power as centralized, absolute and undivided. The social contract is not revocable.