Leviathan and Behemoth: The Elements of Law in Thomas Hobbes's De Cive

Thomas Hobbes's De Cive (1642) is a seminal work on the elements of law, offering a comprehensive theory of the state, sovereignty, and the relationship between the ruler and the ruled. Central to Hobbes's analysis are the concepts of Leviathan and Behemoth, which represent the state and the people, respectively.

Leviathan: The State as a Mortal God

Hobbes famously describes the state as a "Leviathan," a monstrous creature with immense power and authority. Leviathan is created through a social contract, in which individuals voluntarily surrender some of their natural rights to a sovereign in exchange for protection and security.

Hobbes: Leviathan, Behemoth, The Elements of Law & De Cive

by Carlos Bernal Pulido

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Language	:	English
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The Leviathan embodies the sovereign power of the state. It has the right to make and enforce laws, wage war, impose taxes, and punish those who violate its authority. Leviathan is a necessary evil, Hobbes argues, as it prevents the chaos and violence that would result from the state of nature, a condition in which individuals are in a perpetual state of fear and conflict.

Behemoth: The People as a Multitude

Behemoth, on the other hand, represents the people. It is a "multitude" of individuals who are subject to the authority of Leviathan. Behemoth is inherently unruly and disobedient, but it can be controlled and directed by Leviathan through the use of fear and coercion.

Hobbes argues that the people have a duty to obey Leviathan, as long as it fulfills its protective function. However, if Leviathan becomes tyrannical or oppressive, the people have the right to resist and overthrow it.

The Interplay between Leviathan and Behemoth

The relationship between Leviathan and Behemoth is complex and dynamic. Leviathan needs Behemoth to provide it with legitimacy and support. Behemoth needs Leviathan to protect it from internal and external threats.

However, there is always a tension between the two entities. Leviathan must constantly assert its authority over Behemoth, while Behemoth must constantly resist the encroachment of Leviathan on its liberties.

Implications for Law and Government

Hobbes's analysis of Leviathan and Behemoth has profound implications for law and government. It suggests that:

* The state is necessary for the preservation of order and security. * The state has the right to exercise coercive power over its citizens. * The people have a duty to obey the state, as long as it fulfills its protective function.

However, Hobbes's analysis also recognizes the potential for tyranny and oppression. It warns against the dangers of unchecked state power and emphasizes the importance of checks and balances to prevent the abuse of authority.

Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan and Behemoth are enduring symbols of the relationship between the state and the people. They represent the tension between order and liberty, authority and resistance. Hobbes's analysis remains relevant today, as we continue to grapple with the challenges of governing a complex and ever-changing world.

References

* Hobbes, Thomas. De Cive: The Elements of Law, Natural and Politic. Edited by Richard Tuck. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994. * Tuck, Richard. Hobbes: A Biography. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989. * Skinner, Quentin. Leviathan and Behemoth: The Origins of the State in England and France. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002.

Hobbes: Leviathan, Behemoth, The Elements of Law & De Cive

by Carlos Bernal Pulido

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4600 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1153 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE