Modern Democracy and Hobbes Ideas

Thomas Hobbes and the Social Compact


Thomas Hobbes emphasizes components of the social compact within the context of political thought. His ideas serve as the framework for professional and political philosophers to develop theories of social contracts (Schedler, 2016). Furthermore, his work maintains the foundation of political principles that are still used in democratic nations.


Critical Notions in Political Theory


Hobbes introduced critical notions in political theory. His ideas have universal subjects in common with other conceptions of social contracts in modern democracy. He believes that everyone is in a natural state (Held, 2013). The implication is that in this state of nature, individuals are competitive, selfish, thereby making them seek power continuously, where many people have been killed in the bid to have power by leaders. Additionally, in the state of nature, individuals attempt to maintain their situation and fear that other people might die. Hobbes holds that during the natural state, there is a natural law. The law asserts that when there is a natural occurrence, humans will strive to seek justice and peace, which in turn leads to political formations of mutual benefit if everyone is included in this arrangement and agreement (Schedler, 2016). In his view, people will submit their freedom and be part of the mutual social contract because they want to avoid being killed. The implication is that by taking power, social contract forms a commonwealth which puts every individual on a leveled playing ground of authority and ascertains that the citizens will not be selfish in their natural state.


Challenges in Democracies


In summary, the collective power should protect its citizens. The government do legitimate things in the natural state. However, in contrary, some democracies mess up some rights of the people to preserve power and stability. The people become voiceless; some leaders fail to uphold democracies and rights of the people. If we carefully follow Hobbes's ideas, then the will of the citizens might be subverted by the author to continue staying in power. Also, some leaders may be selfish and therefore advance their selfish gains.

References


Held, D. (2013). Political theory and the modern state. John Wiley & Sons.


Schedler, A. (2016). The end of politics?: Explorations into modern anti-politics. Springer.

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