SOCY 151: Foundations of Modern Social Theory
Lecture 02 - Hobbes: Authority, Human Rights and Social Order. An examination of Hobbes's lifetime reveals that the uncertainty of the British monarchy during his life (1588-1679) inspires Hobbes's social and political thought, especially regarding the role of the sovereign to provide for the security of his subjects. We consider the major elements of Hobbes's political and social thought including the state of nature, equality of men, the social contract, the strong sovereign, and legitimate rule. Hobbes's work privileges security of individuals through a strong sovereign but also asserts the right of subjects to transfer their allegiance to a new sovereign if the ruler does not provide for their security; this element of his work in particular and others made him a controversial thinker who was forced into exile for a time. His work has been rediscovered in recent years by economists and other social scientists who see him as the first rational choice theorist. (from oyc.yale.edu)
| Lecture 02 - Hobbes: Authority, Human Rights and Social Order |
| Time | Lecture Chapters |
| [00:00:00] | 1. Hobbes in a Historical Context |
| [00:09:05] | 2. Hobbes Enters Politics as a Royalist |
| [00:18:58] | 3. Leviathan: Structure and Major Themes |
| [00:22:38] | 4. Human Nature |
| [00:32:40] | 5. The Social Contract |
| [00:37:49] | 6. Power of the Sovereign |
| [00:40:56] | 7. Hobbes's Contributions and Shortcomings |
| References |
| Lecture 2 - Hobbes: Authority, Human Rights and Social Order Instructor: Professor Ivan Szelenyi. Transcript [html]. Audio [mp3]. Download Video [mov]. |
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