Hobbes claims that the agreement of animals is “natural” but that the agreement of men is not natural but “by covenant only”. What does Hobbes mean by this? Is it something that we can agree or disagree with?
This is where he states it:Lastly, the agreement of these creatures is natu- ral ; that of men, is by covenant only, which is artificial : and therefore it is no wonder if there be somewhat else required, besides covenant, to make their agreement constant and lasting ; which is a common power, to keep them in awe, and to direct
their actions to the common benefit.
In that chapter (17) he basically says that humans naturally crave for power and that can harm the covenant. But if there are punishments that are given out to whoever that breaks the contract then people would abide by the rules.
I want to know your opinion.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Hobbes argues that in the "state of nature" - i.e. when man lived without a social contract between all humans - life was "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short". Each individual had no reason to act in concert with his fellows, no reason to work together, no sense of community.
When mankind developed social contracts, then it became advantageous to work together and to construct rules, regulations, morals and laws, to protect both the individual and, more importantly for Hobbes, contracts.
The common power is the Leviathan, the embodiment of the social contract - this may be the king, or the body politic - the common will, such as in a democracy.
Still he expects each individual to act according to their own best interests, and even to attempt to overthrow the Leviathan, if the Leviathan acts in a way that is harmful to the individual. He also expects a prisoner to attempt to escape, as it is not in their interests to be incarcerated.