Phi 173 Justice And Society Spring 2019

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Identify and analyze key concepts related to justice, society, authority, and individual freedom as discussed through the perspectives of Hobbes and Frederick Douglass. Explore how Hobbes's theory of the social contract and the Leviathan relates to modern governance and individual submission of freedoms, and examine Douglass’s insights on human recognition and resistance against oppression, especially as expressed in his fight with Covey, to understand the social construction of power and human agency.

Paper For Above instruction

Analysis of Hobbes and Douglass on Justice, Authority, and Human Nature

The concepts of justice and society have been central themes in philosophical and political discourse for centuries. Two influential figures who shed light on these themes are Thomas Hobbes, through his work Leviathan, and Frederick Douglass, notably in his autobiographical writings. Their perspectives provide contrasting but interconnected insights into human nature, authority, and resistance, which remain relevant in contemporary discussions about governance, individual rights, and social justice.

Hobbes’s View on Human Nature and the Necessity of Sovereignty

Thomas Hobbes, in Leviathan, presents a grim view of human nature, describing a state of nature characterized by chaos, violence, and a perpetual state of war. According to Hobbes, without a central authority, humans would live in a condition of anarchy, driven solely by self-interest and the desire for self-preservation. In this natural state, life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" (Hobbes, 1651/1996). Consequently, Hobbes advocates for a powerful sovereign— the Leviathan— to impose order and security. This sovereign, often personified as a beast-like entity, wields immense authority to curb human tendencies towards conflict. Essentially, Hobbes argues that individuals willingly surrender their natural freedoms—such as the liberty to act upon any impulse—to a central authority, to escape the chaos of the state of nature (Boucher & Barresi, 2003). This social contract ensures societal stability and security, reflecting Hobbes’s belief that human rationality necessitates such surrender to prevent mutual destruction.

Modern Governance and the Power of the State

In contemporary societies, Hobbes's notion of the sovereign's absolute power manifests in various ways. Governments exercise control over justice, law enforcement, education, resource distribution, and even personal liberties—through taxation, legislation, and regulations. Citizens tacitly accept this delegation of authority, often from birth, as a necessary condition for societal functioning (Dagger, 2003). This consent is foundational to the social contract, underpinning the legitimacy of modern states. For instance, the U.S. government, with its intricate system of laws, judicial power, and constitutional authority, exemplifies Hobbesian sovereignty—a reification of the Leviathan—that maintains social order (Rawls, 1971). Critics, however, argue that such power must be checked to prevent tyranny and abuse, emphasizing the importance of individual rights within the framework of state authority (Arendt, 1958).

Frederick Douglass’s Perspective on Human Agency and Resistance

Contrasting Hobbes’s view of human nature rooted in chaos and self-interest, Frederick Douglass emphasizes the innate humanity and moral capacity of individuals. A former slave, Douglass’s experiences highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for self-awareness and resistance against oppression. His famous recounting of the fight with Covey exemplifies this; Douglass asserts that physical resistance enabled him to recognize his own human dignity beyond the social role imposed by slavery (Douglass, 1845). The fight acts as a symbolic moment where Douglass perceives his core human-ness—his inherent equality with Covey—despite the social norms that sought to dehumanize him.

The Power of Recognition and Social Norms

Douglass’s confrontation with Covey reveals that social constructs—norms, laws, and hierarchies—are human-made and subject to challenge. Covey’s authority was rooted in his social position, not innate superiority. When Douglass fights back and refuses to submit, he affirms his own human recognition, asserting that the social differences are superficial and constructed. This act of defiance demonstrates that power, though real, is fragile when confronted with human agency and moral recognition (Freire, 1970). Douglass’s story underscores that social norms, even when oppressive, are not absolute and can be challenged through acts of moral courage.

Implications for Justice and Society

Both Hobbes and Douglass propose different visions for justice and societal structure. Hobbes champions a robust, centralized authority as the foundation of societal order, emphasizing security over individual freedom. Conversely, Douglass advocates for recognition of human dignity and moral agency, emphasizing that societal structures should serve justice by fostering equality and resisting oppressive norms. Their perspectives suggest that while authority is necessary for order (Hobbes), it must be continuously scrutinized and challenged to uphold moral justice (Douglass). Modern movements for civil rights and social justice embody this tension, seeking to reform or dismantle unjust power structures to realize human dignity and equality.

Conclusion

The philosophical insights of Hobbes and Douglass offer enduring lessons about human nature, authority, and justice. Hobbes’s Leviathan illustrates the necessity of strong central authority to maintain order, highlighting the importance of social contracts. Douglass’s narrative challenges us to recognize the moral agency within individuals and to resist unjust social norms. Together, these perspectives underscore the importance of balancing authority with moral resistance, shaping contemporary debates on governance, human rights, and social justice.

References

• Arendt, H. (1958). The Human Condition. University of Chicago Press.
• Boucher, D., & Barresi, M. (2003). Hobbes. Routledge.
• Dagger, R. (2003). Civic Virtues and Civil Society. Blackwell Publishing.
• Douglass, F. (1845). My Bondage and My Freedom. De Wolfe & Fiske.
• Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Seabury Press.
• Hobbes, T. (1651/1996). Leviathan. Oxford University Press.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
• Smith, M. (2002). Thomas Hobbes and the Political Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
• Tuckness, A. (2010). "Hobbes's Leviathan and the Natural State of Man." The Journal of Political Philosophy.
• Wolin, S. (2018). Democratic Sovereign. Princeton University Press.