Thomas Hobbes argued that individuals are naturally motivated by self-interests. He proposed that the law is required to maintain order in society and to prevent social chaos.
He advanced the idea of Legal Positivism in which he argued that what those in power determine to be justice constitutes the natures of justice.
He also called for a Social Contract among the citizenry since this would be required for the majority to abide by the laws. In the social contract the individual agrees to forego certain of his or her rights in the interests of society in general. According to Hobbes, peace is only maintained when individuals are willing to yield their rights.
Most prominent in Hobbes philosophy is his call for a powerful central state, which is to maintain order in the society. He designated this state as "Leviathan." Hobbes understood the state to be all-powerful and against those who argued that his view of the state was too powerful and too brutal, Hobbes argued that a brutal state is better than no state at all.
A number of objections can be launched toward Hobbes political philosophy not the least of which is his excessively low view of human nature and human motivation. Is it really true that all individuals are motivated by self-interests alone?
In addition, it may be that Hobbes view of the Social Contract is somewhat naive. Would individuals be willing to forego their personal rights in the interests of others? For instance, would individuals be willing to give up the right to bear arms in the interests of enhancing the peace and harmony of society? If not, Hobbes would respond that it is the power of the Leviathan, the state, to enforce this idea should it become law.
Finally, and somewhat related to the initial objection stated above, Hobbes has a pessimistic view of the individual to live selflessly. How do we explain altruistic behavior on the part of so many individuals? Hobbes would likely counter that even altruistic deeds are motivated by an unconscious desire for control, power, or self-preservation.
