The Notion of Security in Thomas Hobbes

Abstract

Thomas Hobbes is the first philosopher in creating a political theory based on the problem of the security of man. His main work, the Leviathan, is central to the history of political philosophy as it demonstrates that security is the reason by which men establish the State. This paper intends to examine the problem of security in the construction of modern State and civil society in the Hobbesian political theory. First, this work studies the central argument of every man against every man war and the concept of security that underlies it. Then, it examines the hypothetical possibilities that man may have in reaching security without establishing a civil society. Finally, it analyses why, to Hobbes, the only way to live in peace and without any risk of violent death is through founding a sovereign State.