Reason for a Defined Foundation

Hobbes goes to great lengths to define language of man in order to form a foundation for his political system, of which he focuses on elements of power and peace. These definitions discuss the good and evil within man that arise from his passions or desire for power. He uses this foundation to establish the need for a higher authority to govern man, that is the sovereign state or monarchy. Sovereign states that do not have a firm foundation are prone to discord, of that being war, of which Hobbes is trying to avoid and thus the purpose of Leviathan. He defines mental discourse to be “that succession of one Thought to another.” (pg. 94, Ch. 3) Each man has the ability to think and in doing such has thoughts that lead from one to the next, therefore creating in his mind his own definitions. By focusing on this speech and providing definitions of such, he is providing a foundation from which all perspective can be viewed. Otherwise man would continue to have differing opinions and thoughts regarding definitions and that could cause controversy. This also goes with that of the Imagination in which, as discussing the wit of man, states that “some men’s thoughts run one way, some another; and are held to, and observe differently the things that passe through their imagination.” (pt. 135, ch.8) All these definitions he is placing within a scientific way of thinking, that is as he had learned about Geometry. By providing the definitions then he can proceed in placing the order within the system, that is laying the foundation for the need for a sovereign authority. From which man needs in order to save himself because without, Hobbes argues, there is discord and a lack of unity, often resulting in war. Man needs to have an authority, be that a monarch or spiritual entity, in such he finds his value. The system that Hobbes is creating, political science, is based on the idea that man has power and as such it must be controlled in a way that both man is given honour “because no man obeyes them, whome they think have no power to help” (pg. 152, ch. 10). Those power and obedience need to be directed to a sovereign authority in order that there be both control of power and also a common goal of protection and trust. Hobbes’ foundation of his political science is viable to this day. We observe that those under sovereign power do not trust their government to protect them nor their rights, which has led to unrest and war. In Turkey there was an attempted coup d'etat to overthrow the government, and though failed, brought attention to discord amongst citizens. Thus their foundation is corrupt, as they do not agree on that which is the role of the sovereign state and how they define power, as well as how it is to be distributed amongst the authority and the citizens. Hobbes saw this in his own country as he made a self-initiated exile to France during discord between the Parliament and Monarch over power. Hobbes’ evaluation of power and peace gives warning and counsel to those in power today - man will seek new authority if he doesn’t trust the one that is over him. For this reason we must have an agreed upon definition of man, power, and their roles if peace is a goal.