Did Hobbes Believe in Divine Right?
Thomas Hobbes, a prominent philosopher and political theorist of the 17th century, has often been a subject of debate among scholars regarding his beliefs on various political and philosophical issues. One of the most contentious topics is whether Hobbes believed in divine right. This article aims to explore this question, examining Hobbes’ views on divine right and the influences that shaped them.
Hobbes’ belief in divine right can be understood by examining his broader political philosophy, particularly his concept of the social contract and the nature of authority. In his seminal work, “Leviathan,” Hobbes argues that the state is a necessary evil created to maintain order and prevent the perpetual war of all against all that he describes as the “state of nature.” To achieve this, Hobbes posits that individuals must surrender their natural rights to a sovereign authority, which is absolute and unchallengeable.
While Hobbes does not explicitly state his belief in divine right, his views on the nature of authority and the source of political power suggest that he may have held such a belief. Hobbes’ conception of the state as a sovereign authority that possesses absolute power over its citizens implies that this authority is derived from a higher source, which could be interpreted as divine right.
One of the key influences on Hobbes’ belief in divine right was his religious upbringing. Hobbes was born into a Puritan family and was educated in a Calvinist environment. Calvinism, a branch of Protestantism, emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the idea that God’s will is supreme. This religious background may have contributed to Hobbes’ belief in the divine nature of authority, as he sought to justify the absolute power of the sovereign in his political philosophy.
Furthermore, Hobbes’ contemporaries and predecessors also held beliefs in divine right. For instance, the English monarchs of the time, such as King Charles I, claimed the divine right of kings, which held that the king’s authority was derived from God and was therefore absolute. Hobbes, being a contemporary of these events, was likely influenced by the prevailing beliefs of his time.
However, it is important to note that Hobbes’ views on divine right are not as straightforward as those of his contemporaries. While he may have been influenced by the concept of divine right, he also criticized it in certain aspects. For example, Hobbes argued that the social contract, which establishes the authority of the sovereign, is a human agreement and not a divine decree. This implies that Hobbes’ belief in divine right is nuanced and not absolute.
In conclusion, while Thomas Hobbes did not explicitly state his belief in divine right, his political philosophy and religious upbringing suggest that he may have held such a belief. His views on the nature of authority and the social contract, as well as the influences of his time, indicate that Hobbes’ belief in divine right was complex and not entirely congruent with the traditional concept of divine right. Understanding Hobbes’ belief in divine right is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of his political thought and its impact on modern political theory.
