Leviathan is a work written by the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes in 1651, in the midst of a context of political and social upheaval in Europe. This political treatise is one of the most influential works in the field of political philosophy and has generated extensive debates and reflections on the nature of the State, the social contract and sovereignty. In Leviathan, Hobbes presents his vision of human nature, society and government, laying the foundations for the theory of political absolutism.
The State of Nature
To understand the concept of Leviathan it is essential to delve into the notion of the state of nature proposed by Hobbes. According to him, in the absence of a central power that regulates relationships between individuals, human beings find themselves in a state of constant war, where each seeks their own survival and protection at any cost. In this scenario, life is "solitary, poor, unpleasant, brutal and short", since there are no rules or laws that regulate peaceful coexistence.
The Social Contract
Faced with this chaotic situation, Hobbes raises the need to establish a social contract through which individuals give up part of their natural freedom in favor of an absolute power, the Leviathan, that guarantees security and social order. The Leviathan, in this sense, represents the sovereign State that holds the legitimate monopoly on the use of force and whose main objective is to preserve peace and social stability.
The Figure of the Leviathan
The Leviathan, described by Hobbes as an artificial entity created by the social pact, symbolizes the supreme authority that stands above individuals. This colossal figure, inspired by the biblical monster of the same name, represents the concentration of political power in a single entity, capable of maintaining control and social cohesion through the application of laws and regulations.
Absolutism and Sovereignty
For Hobbes, the Leviathan must possess absolute and indivisible power, that is, an authority that is not subject to external restrictions. The sovereign, as the representative of Leviathan, has the power to dictate laws, dispense justice and make decisions for the benefit of the common good, without being subject to the will of the governed. This absolutist conception of power is based on the idea that, to avoid anarchy and chaos, it is necessary to grant the State an indisputable and centralized authority.
Sovereignty and Political Obligation
Sovereignty, in Hobbes' vision, is the maximum authority that emanates from the social pact and is based on the consent of individuals. Once individuals have ceded their power to Leviathan, they acquire the political obligation to obey the laws and abide by the decisions of the sovereign in order to guarantee security and peaceful coexistence. Disobedience to sovereign authority, according to Hobbes, inevitably leads to a return to the state of nature, marked by conflict and insecurity.
Contemporary Criticisms and Reflections
Throughout the History, the figure of Leviathan has sparked numerous criticisms and reflections by various thinkers and philosophical currents. Criticisms of political absolutism, the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or entity and the limitation of individual freedoms have been the subject of debate around the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Hobbesian Leviathan.
The Leviathan in Democratic Theory
From the perspective of democratic theory, the idea of an absolute and all-embracing Leviathan is problematic, as it carries the risk of human rights violations, tyranny, and lack of surrender. of accounts by the political power. Thus, the need has been raised to balance the power of the State with mechanisms of control and citizen participation, such as the separation of powers, government transparency and the protection of individual rights as guarantees against Leviathan.
The Current Relevance of Leviathan
Today, Hobbes' reflections and approaches regarding Leviathan continue to be relevant in a world marked by political, social and economic complexity. In the face of challenges such as globalization, terrorism, inequality and the climate crisis, the discussion about the role of the State, sovereignty and political authority acquires crucial importance in the configuration of modern democracies and the protection of civil rights.
In conclusion, Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan represents a powerful metaphor for the need for political authority in human society, as well as the dilemmas and challenges of reconciling collective security with individual freedoms. Through his work, Hobbes invites us to reflect on the role of the State, the legitimacy of power and the nature of the social contract in the configuration of a just and equitable political order.