The boys drink and review a pilsner, then discuss the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes.
Hobbes is best known for his characterization of life in the state of nature as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
Pigweed sets the historical context with some dates and the very consequential events that occurred during Hobbes’ life — including the English civil war, the execution of Charles I, and the restoration.
Hobbes wanted to know who gets to rule, under what circumstances, and within what limits. He starts by reflecting on human nature, which he says is a horrific state of war where people live in a constant state of fear. People can make agreements with their neighbors, but Hobbes says there’s a need for a sovereign who makes sure people keep their agreements.
In Hobbes’ mind, the state of nature is so awful that any sovereign, no matter how awful, no matter how tyrannical, is better. Consequently, he supported the monarchy and its radical claims.
P&C evaluate and criticize Hobbes’ claims.
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