Thomas Hobbes Paper - What is the difference between
obligations in foro interno and in foro externo, and when do we
have such obligations?
According to Thomas Hobbes, there are certain laws of nature which
exist in the absence of an organized government. These laws are extremely
cut throat, and place people in extremely dangerous situations where their
lives are in danger. Government is the answer to this dangerous situation,
but it is here that the question of obligation comes into question. Does
one have an obligation to take a chance and follow the laws set forth for
them, or should they only think of themselves, and follow the laws of
nature? This is a vital question which I will explore.
According to Hobbes, the overriding law of nature is kill or be
killed. Hobbes believed that, 'every man has a right to everything, even to
another man's body. And therefore, as long as this natural right of every
man to everything endureth, there can be no security to any man(how strong
or wise soever he be) of living out the time which nature ordinarily
allowith men to live.'
However he also believed, 'that a man be willing, when others are
so too as far-forth as for peace and defense of himself that 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.' The question now is, when do we have an obligation to strive
towards peace when it means giving up our natural rights?
According to Hobbes, we always have an obligation to work towards
peace, and have an obligation in foro interno, but not always in foro
externo. The difference between there two are that in...