Philosophy often serves as a tool for individuals seeking to lead a more meaningful life, yet the vast amount of information available can sometimes feel overwhelming. To truly benefit from philosophy, it is essential to revisit foundational ideas, such as those put forward by Thomas Hobbes. His reflections on the concept of equality hold profound implications for how philosophy can guide us in our search for deeper meaning. This article will explore Hobbes’s philosophy, the idea of equality, and their significance in the broader pursuit of living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Key features of Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy
Thomas Hobbes was a 17th-century English philosopher best known for his ideas about political philosophy and human nature. One of his key concepts was the “state of nature,” a hypothetical condition where there is no government, laws, or social order. According to Hobbes, this state would lead to chaos and conflict, as humans are driven by self-preservation and personal desires. To escape this, Hobbes argued that people agree to form a social contract, giving up some of their freedoms in exchange for security and order provided by a strong central authority.
Hobbes believed in the necessity of an absolute sovereign, a powerful ruler or government, to maintain peace and prevent society from falling into disorder. He believed that only a central authority could enforce laws and protect individuals from the violence and unpredictability of human nature. This idea was explained in his famous work Leviathan, where he compared the government to a massive, all-powerful creature ensuring stability.
Hobbes’s philosophy was rooted in the idea that humans are naturally equal in their ability to harm or defend themselves, but this equality also makes them prone to competition and mistrust. His work laid the foundation for modern political thought and raised important questions about authority, governance, and individual rights that are still debated today.
What is equality?
Thomas Hobbes believed that all people are naturally equal in their ability to harm one another and to pursue their desires. According to Hobbes, everyone has roughly the same capacity for strength and intelligence, which means no one is inherently superior to others. This equality, in his view, creates competition, distrust, and conflict, as individuals have similar needs and desires but limited resources to fulfill them. Hobbes argued that this natural equality leads to a state of constant fear and insecurity when there is no central authority to establish order. He called this the “state of nature,” where life is chaotic and dangerous. To escape this, Hobbes believed people needed to agree to form a society by giving up some of their freedoms and transferring power to a sovereign authority. This authority would then ensure peace and stability by creating rules and enforcing them. For Hobbes, understanding equality was essential to explaining why humans must establish strong systems of governance to avoid conflict.
This example helps to demonstrate this philosophical perspective. Imagine a group of people stranded on a deserted island with only limited resources available. According to Thomas Hobbes’s ideas, even though no two individuals are exactly alike in terms of physical strength or intellect, their differences do not grant any person an inherent advantage in survival. One person may be physically stronger, while another may be more strategic or cunning. These differences cancel each other out because each person has unique abilities that contribute to their survival in different ways. This equality, however, can lead to competition and mistrust, as each individual might feel insecure about their position and resources. The resulting tension highlights the delicate balance between equality and conflict when people face a situation of scarcity or uncertainty. This example showcases how Hobbes’s views apply to human interactions in challenging environments.
Challenges to Thomas Hobbes’s view about equality
Some philosophers object to or reject Thomas Hobbes’s views on equality due to concerns about the implications and assumptions his stance may have about human nature and society. One common critique is that Hobbes’s perspective often emphasizes a form of equality rooted in shared vulnerability or capacity for harm rather than a moral or social ideal. Critics argue that defining equality solely in this way reduces human worth to physical or competitive capabilities, ignoring deeper dimensions such as moral, intellectual, or cultural contributions to society.
Additionally, some philosophers contend that Hobbes’s view of equality fails to adequately address systemic inequalities that exist within societies. They suggest that his approach assumes a level playing field where individuals share equal capabilities in certain respects, which ignores real-world factors like class, race, or gender inequalities. These philosophers argue that failing to recognize these dimensions oversimplifies the complex dynamics of human relationships and perpetuates injustices rather than resolving them.
Another objection comes from philosophers who question the pessimistic lens through which Hobbes views human interactions in the “state of nature,” often associated with his understanding of equality. Critics argue that such a perspective dismisses human potential for cooperation and mutual respect, focusing instead on competition and self-interest. They believe this view undermines more optimistic philosophies about humanity’s capacity to achieve equality through solidarity and collective effort.
Lastly, Hobbes’s conceptualization of equality can also be critiqued for its lack of prescription—while it may describe certain aspects of human nature, it does not necessarily provide guidance for fostering an equitable society. Philosophers who value equality as a normative principle often argue that Hobbes’s views fail to inspire meaningful action towards addressing injustice, making his concept of equality less useful in modern discussions about fairness and social reform.
These objections highlight broader concerns about both the intentional and unintentional limitations of Hobbes’s ideas, showing the diverse range of ways philosophers have challenged his portrayal of equality. Such critiques encourage deeper reflection on the nuances of equality and how it can be applied to create fairer societies.
Why equality is important to Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy
These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concept of equality is crucial to comprehending Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy.
- Equality Highlights the Basis of Human Nature
Equality is a foundational idea when considering human nature, as it underscores the inherent similarities shared by all individuals. Without the concept of equality, it would be challenging to address the common traits humans possess, particularly the capabilities and desires that drive their actions. Hobbes’s philosophy relies on the idea that people are fundamentally similar in terms of their vulnerabilities and strengths, which creates a level playing field when analyzing human interactions and societal dynamics. This focus on sameness allows for a clearer understanding of how individuals coexist and compete with one another.
- Equality Explains Conflicts and Cooperation Among People
The idea of equality helps to explain why conflicts arise between individuals as well as how cooperation becomes necessary. When people perceive themselves as equals, they may compete for the same resources, power, or opportunities, leading to tension or disputes. However, the acknowledgment of equality also motivates individuals to seek ways to collaborate and resolve differences. Understanding this dual role of equality in fostering both competition and cooperation is essential for grasping the dynamics of human behaviour that Hobbes discusses. It illustrates the delicate balance required to maintain stability and peace within a society.
- Equality Supports the Need for a Collective Authority
Equality emphasizes that no single person, by nature, has absolute authority or dominance over others. This mutual understanding fosters the idea that individuals may need to agree on a collective authority to prevent perpetual conflict and ensure fairness. Without equality, the concept of shared decision-making and rule by consent would lose its relevance. By considering equality, it becomes evident why people might unite to form a system where power is distributed more systematically. This reasoning helps clarify why a structured social framework is important for maintaining order.
Contrasting Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy with Jacques Derrida’s philosophy
Thomas Hobbes and Jacques Derrida approach the concept of equality from fundamentally different perspectives, which reflects the broader differences in their philosophies. Hobbes, known for his political philosophy, sees equality primarily in the context of human nature. His arguments often focus on how individuals, though different in abilities or intelligence, are inherently equal in their vulnerability to harm and their capability to harm others. This forms the basis of his ideas about human behavior and the need for social contracts to maintain order.
On the other hand, Jacques Derrida, a 20th-century philosopher, focuses less on equality as a fixed concept and more on how language, power, and social structures shape our understanding of such ideas. Derrida’s philosophy of deconstruction questions the foundations of concepts we take for granted, including equality. For Derrida, equality is not a simple or straightforward truth; instead, it is tied to historical and cultural contexts that are often riddled with contradictions and implicit hierarchies. He challenges us to examine how terms like equality are used in discourse to include or exclude certain groups or individuals.
The key difference lies in their goals. Hobbes seeks practical solutions to human conflict by leveraging equality as a rationale for collective governance. Derrida, however, critiques the very systems that define concepts like equality, aiming to expose hidden biases and question established norms. These contrasting views highlight the gap between Hobbes’s structured, pragmatic approach and Derrida’s critical, interpretive method.
Equality, Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy and the philosophy of life
Reflecting on Thomas Hobbes’s views, whether one agrees with them or not, is a valuable exercise for developing one’s personal philosophy of life. Considering the ideas of influential thinkers like Hobbes challenges us to critically assess our own beliefs and values. While we may not share his perspectives, engaging with them allows us to question the foundations of our assumptions and better understand the reasoning behind our positions. This process strengthens independent thought and fosters a more grounded sense of self-awareness.
Hobbes’s philosophy encourages us to confront difficult questions about human nature, society, and the choices that shape our lives. When we reflect on his views, we are compelled to think about how we perceive equality, justice, and the dynamics between individuals. This can inspire us to consider how these ideas fit into our personal lives and broader communities. For example, by examining whether we agree with Hobbes, we’re pushed to articulate why equality matters to us and how it aligns with our life goals and relationships.
Perhaps most importantly, reflecting on contrasting philosophies instills humility and intellectual flexibility. It can be unsettling to grapple with perspectives that differ from our own, but doing so teaches us the value of open-mindedness. By understanding where Hobbes was coming from, even if we disagree, we learn to engage with ideas different from our own with curiosity rather than dismissiveness. This skill is not only integral to personal growth but also essential in navigating a diverse and complex world.
Thinking about Hobbes’s work teaches us that philosophy is not just an abstract exercise—it’s deeply practical. It equips us with tools to think critically, reason clearly, and envision the life we want to lead. Developing a personal philosophy requires examining where we stand on fundamental issues, and reflecting on philosophers like Hobbes can provide the framework for these explorations. Whether we align with his views or not, his work invites us to thoughtfully evaluate our own beliefs, ensuring we approach life with both purpose and understanding.
Further reading
Abizadeh, A. (2011). Hobbes and the two faces of ethics. Cambridge University Press.
Hampton, J. (1986). Hobbes and the social contract tradition. Cambridge University Press.
Hobbes, T. (1651/1996). Leviathan. (R. Tuck, Ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Kavka, G. S. (1986). Hobbesian moral and political theory. Princeton University Press.
Lloyd, S. A. (2009). Morality in the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes: Cases in the law of nature. Cambridge University Press.
Martinich, A. P. (2005). Hobbes. Routledge.
Pettit, P. (2008). Made with words: Hobbes on language, mind, and politics. Princeton University Press.
Strauss, L. (1963). The political philosophy of Hobbes: Its basis and its genesis. University of Chicago Press.
Zagorin, P. (2009). Hobbes and the law of nature. Princeton University Press.