Hobbes Quote by Efraim Podoksik
““Hobbes is not an absolutist precisely because he is an authoritarian. His scepticism about the power of reasoning, which applied no less to the ‘artificial reason’ of the Sovereign than to the reasoning of the natural man, together with the rest of his individualism, separate him from the rationalist dictators of his or any age. Indeed, Hobbes, without being himself a liberal, had in him more of the philosophy of liberalism than most of its professed defenders””
About This Quote
Source Book: Political Philosophy, 2023
Hobbes rejects absolute rule not by endorsing authoritarianism but by doubting rational justification for sovereign power, aligning him more with liberal ideas than typical dictators.
In simple terms: Hobbes doubts rational sovereign power, leaning toward liberalism.
Key Takeaway
Recognize nuance in political labels.
Themes
political theory
liberalism
authoritarianism
philosophy
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy analysis
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
sovereign authority
individualism
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does Hobbes’ skepticism affect modern governance?
- Can authoritarianism coexist with liberal principles?
A Different Perspective
His view may be overstated without broader context.
