The Role of the Leviathan in Establishing Justice: A Critical Examination

Thomas Hobbes, a renowned English philosopher, argued that there is no such thing as justice until the Leviathan is established. The Leviathan, representing absolute authority, is essential in defining and enforcing justice. This perspective raises important questions about the nature of justice, moral law, and the responsibility of individuals and society in maintaining a just order.

Understanding Hobbes' Perspective

Thomas Hobbes, born on 5 April 1588 and passing away on 4 December 1679, was a key figure in the development of modern political philosophy. In his seminal work Leviathan, he outlines his theory of social contract, arguing that people consent to the establishment of an absolute ruler or a sovereign power to terminate the state of nature and establish a civil society. This ruler, the Leviathan, is the central authority that defines and enforces laws, ensuring a stable and just society.

According to Hobbes, justice cannot exist without an authoritative figure to define and impose it. Without such an authority, individuals might act according to their unregulated will, leading to chaos and conflict. The concept of justice, therefore, is contingent on the existence of an overarching power capable of imposing order and enforcing rules.

Disagreeing with Hobbes' View: The Intrinsic Nature of Justice

While I respect Hobbes' contribution to political philosophy, I disagree with the notion that justice is dependent solely on the Leviathan for its existence. Justice, I believe, is embedded within the human psyche as a fundamental moral principle that exists independently of any external authority. Every individual has an innate sense of what constitutes just or unjust behavior, a trait often referred to as the moral law.

In my view, the moral law is an internalized standard of right and wrong, which guides our actions even in the absence of explicit legal codes or authoritative enforcement. This innate sense of justice is what prevents individuals from carrying out heinous acts, such as murdering a passerby, even if no governing authority intervenes. Over time, repeated violations of this moral law can erode this inner judgement, but the intrinsic nature of justice remains intact.

The Role of Community and God in Establishing Justice

Justice, in my perspective, is not solely determined by governmental authority or divine command. It is a multidimensional concept that encompasses both societal norms and divine principles. For instance, the Bible often refers to God as a just and righteous ruler, emphasizing that justice should be aligned with His will. In this sense, God gave the law to make sin manifest because people could justify their actions by imperfect reasoning. However, human justice is inherently flawed, and it is the responsibility of every individual to strive for justice, not just to rely on external enforcement mechanisms.

Community and collective norms also play a significant role in establishing and upholding justice. In schools, families, and other social groups, justice is practiced and enforced through shared norms and expectations. While government and courts help to ensure justice within communities, they do not define what justice is. Instead, these institutions serve to codify and amplify the moral principles that already exist within society.

The Relevance of Leviathan in Modern Society

While the concept of Leviathan is relevant, it is crucial to recognize that modern governance operates through representative systems. Rather than a single absolute ruler, we have elected officials who are responsible for creating and enforcing laws that reflect the will of the majority. This system, while imperfect, allows for a more accountable and participatory approach to governance.

However, the effectiveness of this system depends on the civic engagement and responsibility of its citizens. A failure to elect representatives who align with the principles of justice can lead to an imbalance in the governing system. For example, the broken windows policing policies in New York City under Eric Garner's case exemplify this dilemma. Garner’s resistance to arrest and subsequent death have sparked debate about the efficacy of such policies. The tension between individual rights and collective safety highlights the delicate balance required in the implementation of justice.

The pursuit of justice should be a collective effort, with individuals and communities working together to ensure that the Leviathan is not just a tool of oppression but a guardian of fairness and equity. In the current context, the wellbeing and protection of children often fall short due to the shortcomings in our governing systems. It is crucial to address these issues and work towards creating a more just and responsible Leviathan.

In conclusion, while the Leviathan plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining justice, it is not the sole determinant of what constitutes justice. Justice is a multifaceted concept that involves both moral law and community norms, as well as the principles and values of the society it serves. It is the responsibility of every individual to foster and uphold justice, rather than solely relying on external authority.