This paper intends on developing Thomas Hobbes’ opinion on gun laws based on his writing of “Leviathan”, and from there answering the question, what gun policy Hobbes would favour nowadays.
Throughout the last few years, there have constantly been discussions about whether or not to implement more gun control legislation. In Europe and the United States, the subject of gun control gained more attention with the news reporting on mass shootings and terror attacks. Where should gun legislation go from here on? Either towards further restricting gun rights, or in the direction of liberalising gun laws?
Undoubtedly, gun rights and gun laws are important topics that need to be discussed. This paper will define terms such as “gun” and “firearm”, in order to spare the reader from unnecessary guesswork. Subsequently, a summary of the most crucial points facing the ongoing debate about gun rights respectively gun laws will follow, so as to provide the context in which gun rights are currently discussed. The next step will be to elaborate on Hobbes’ two states as well as his two fundamental laws of nature.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definitions
2.1. “Gun vs. “Firearm”
2.2. “Gun Rights” versus “Gun laws”
2.3. “State”
3. Current Developments
3.1. Ongoing Debates in Europe
3.2. Ongoing Debates in the United States
4. Hobbes on Gun Rights
4.1. Distinguishing Two States
4.2. The Two Fundamental Laws of Nature
4.3. Gun Laws in during the Natural State
4.4. Gun Laws during a State of Absolutist Rule
5. Contextualisation & Discussion
6. Hobbes’ Predicted Gun Policy
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper investigates the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, specifically his views on the "natural state" and "absolutist rule," to determine how his theories would inform contemporary gun control policies. The study aims to bridge the gap between classical philosophical theory and modern debates on firearms by analyzing how Hobbes' conceptual framework regarding security, the state's monopoly on violence, and the right to self-preservation applies to current legislative challenges in democratic and fragile states.
- The distinction between the "natural state" and the "state of absolutist rule" as defined in "Leviathan."
- The philosophical conflict between individual rights to self-defence and the necessity of state-enforced order.
- The impact of modern technological advancements in weaponry on the state's monopoly on violence.
- The application of Hobbesian thought to current debates in the United States and Europe regarding firearm regulation.
Excerpt from the Book
4.4.Gun Laws during a State of Absolutist Rule
Men oppose the eternal war which results from indefinite amounts of liberty for every man in the natural state. In order for a more peaceful future, they conclude to constrain their own right to everything, since this justifies imposing harm on others. By restricting their own rights, regarding their liberty in treating others the way they want to treat them, men will benefit from other men being constrained in their behaviour as well. One can say the following: the more liberty one allows other people against oneself, the more liberty oneself can enjoy. It is possible to turn it around: The more constraints one imposes on his behaviour towards others, the more will others be limited in how they treat him, which benefits both parties. Hobbes explains this trade of giving up rights against others versus others giving up rights against oneself in the following way:
[...] this second law: that a man be willing, when others are so too, as far forth as for peace and defence of himself he shall think it necessary, to lay down this right to all things; and be contented with so much liberty against other men as he would allow other men against himself. -(Hobbes, p. 80)
Now in order to overcome the natural state and its eternal war, Hobbes suggests that men must give up all their rights but one. It is particularly interesting what Hobbes considers the one right that must not be abandoned. For the creation of a more peaceful society, Hobbes expects men to “give up all their rights besides the one right to self-defence”. He argues that men cannot be expected to give up their right to self-defence, since this would not benefit them in any way, as it is the case when citizens give up the rest of their rights to gain security.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the paper, focusing on the current relevance of gun control debates and the intent to integrate Hobbesian theory into this contemporary political context.
2. Definitions: Establishes essential terminology for the discourse, specifically distinguishing between "guns" and "firearms," "gun rights" versus "gun laws," and the conceptual meaning of "state."
3. Current Developments: Examines the contemporary legislative landscapes regarding firearms in Europe and the United States, highlighting the tension between increasing regulation and domestic debates.
4. Hobbes on Gun Rights: Provides a deep dive into Hobbes' theory, analyzing his two states (natural vs. absolutist) and his fundamental laws of nature to evaluate their stance on self-defence and weaponry.
5. Contextualisation & Discussion: Bridges the historical gap between the 17th century and the present, considering technological advancements and the sovereign's duty to prevent civil war.
6. Hobbes’ Predicted Gun Policy: Synthesizes the analysis to predict how Hobbes would advocate for gun policies differently depending on whether a state is failed or non-fragile/democratic.
Keywords
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, Gun Laws, Gun Rights, Natural State, Absolutist Rule, Self-Defence, Monopoly on Violence, State Capacity, Firearm Regulation, Political Philosophy, Civil War, Sovereign, Security, Democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this seminar paper?
The paper examines how Thomas Hobbes’ political theory, specifically his work "Leviathan," can be used to interpret and potentially formulate modern gun control policies.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The main themes include the distinction between the "natural state" and "absolutist rule," the right to self-defence, the role of a state monopoly on violence, and the evolution of weapon technology.
What is the primary objective or research question?
The primary objective is to answer what kind of gun policy Thomas Hobbes would support in contemporary society, given his philosophical views on security and the state.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The paper uses an analytical and contextual approach, applying classical philosophical concepts from the 17th century to contemporary empirical and legal data regarding firearm ownership and state structures.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers definitions, current gun policy debates in the US and Europe, a detailed explanation of Hobbesian political states, and a discussion on how modern technological advancements in firearms impact the sovereign's responsibility.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Hobbes, Leviathan, Gun Laws, Monopoly on Violence, Self-Defence, Natural State, and State Capacity.
Does Hobbes believe in the right to self-defence in a functioning state?
Hobbes acknowledges the right to self-defence, but in an established state with an effective executive power, he argues that one should rely on the state's protection rather than resorting to violence, unless that protection fails.
How does Hobbes' view change regarding fragile or failed states?
In failed states, where there is no functioning government or law enforcement, Hobbes argues that all gun laws are illegitimate because individuals must rely on their natural right to "everything" for self-preservation.
Why does Hobbes favor stricter gun laws in modern democracies?
He would likely favor them to maintain the state’s monopoly on violence, fearing that modern, highly effective weaponry could allow citizens to outgun the state, potentially leading to civil war and a return to anarchy.
- Quote paper
- Nathanael Schabrun (Author), 2020, "Leviathan" and its Insights about Thomas Hobbes’ View on Gun Laws, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1139767
