Thomas Hobbes once said, “It is not wisdom but authority that makes a law.” This statement speaks to the heart of his political philosophy, where power and control are prioritized over moral reasoning. Hobbes lived through the English Civil War, a time of chaos and disorder, which shaped his belief that authority is necessary to maintain social order.
In Hobbes’ view, wisdom alone is not enough to govern society. Without the backing of authority, laws would be powerless, unable to command obedience. For him, authority doesn’t need to be wise or just—it simply needs to be strong and unquestioned.
This idea challenges traditional notions of justice, where laws are often seen as grounded in ethical or moral principles. It also invites reflection on the dangers of authority without wisdom, where power can become tyrannical. In modern times, Hobbes’ words still resonate, raising important questions about how we balance authority and wisdom in law-making and governance.
Do we really live in a world where authority makes a law or reason and logic has its say, let’s delve a little more into this topic.
Contents
Historical and Philosophical Context
Thomas Hobbes and His Time
Thomas Hobbes lived in England during a period of great political turmoil. The English Civil War (1642-1651) created widespread instability and violence. This chaos deeply influenced Hobbes’ thinking and shaped his belief in the necessity of strong authority.
Hobbes believed that without a central power, society would collapse into disorder. He saw human beings as naturally selfish and driven by their desires. For him, only a powerful authority could keep these instincts in check.
Hobbes’ Major Work: Leviathan
In his most famous work, Leviathan, Hobbes outlines his vision of government. He argues that in the natural state, without laws, life would be brutal and chaotic. To escape this, people must give up some freedoms and submit to a sovereign authority.
The sovereign, according to Hobbes, must have absolute power to enforce laws. This authority is not based on wisdom or morality but on the ability to control and maintain peace. For Hobbes, order is more important than philosophical ideals or ethical debates.
Hobbes’ View on Law and Authority
Hobbes believed that laws are meaningless without authority to enforce them. Authority, in his view, is the foundation of law. Wisdom, while valuable, cannot create order by itself.
He emphasized that the sovereign’s authority must be unquestioned. Without obedience to this authority, society would return to chaos. For Hobbes, it is better to have strict, even harsh laws than no laws at all.
Wisdom vs. Authority in Law-making
Understanding Wisdom and Authority
Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and moral judgment to solve problems. It is often linked to justice, fairness, and ethical reasoning. Authority, on the other hand, is the power to enforce laws and maintain order, regardless of whether those laws are wise or just.
Hobbes separates these two concepts sharply. He argues that wisdom alone cannot govern a society. For him, authority is the key to stability, not the moral or philosophical debates that wisdom might encourage.
Why Hobbes Prefers Authority
Hobbes believed human nature is selfish and chaotic. He feared that if society relied on wisdom alone, it would fall apart. People need a strong force—authority—to keep them in line and prevent disorder.
In Hobbes’ world, authority doesn’t need to be wise. It only needs the power to enforce laws and control people’s actions. Wisdom, while useful in advising rulers, cannot replace the raw power that authority provides.
Criticism of Hobbes’ View
Many philosophers disagree with Hobbes’ idea that authority should come before wisdom. They argue that without wisdom, authority can become oppressive and unjust. For example, laws based purely on power can lead to tyranny and abuse.
Thinkers like John Locke believe that laws should be grounded in moral principles. They argue that true justice requires both wisdom and authority working together. Without wisdom, authority can easily become corrupt, leading to suffering and injustice.
Historical and Literary Examples
Historical Examples of Authority Without Wisdom
History provides many examples where authority ruled without wisdom. One of the most striking is Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. The laws were enforced with brutal authority, but they lacked moral wisdom, leading to atrocities like the Holocaust.
Another example is the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. His regime relied on strict authority, using fear and repression to maintain control. However, the lack of wisdom in governance caused widespread suffering and oppression.
In contrast, democracies like the United States and the United Kingdom have worked to balance authority with wisdom. While authority is still necessary to enforce laws, wisdom, through courts and public debate, helps ensure that laws are just and fair.
Literary Reflections on Authority and Wisdom
In literature, the theme of authority without wisdom is explored in works like George Orwell’s 1984. In Orwell’s dystopian world, the government holds absolute authority. The lack of wisdom leads to oppression, fear, and a loss of individual freedom.
Franz Kafka’s The Trial is another example. The protagonist is trapped in a legal system that enforces rules without reason or wisdom. This results in confusion, helplessness, and a sense of injustice.
In Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, the balance between authority and wisdom is carefully examined. The play highlights the dangers of strict authority without mercy or moral guidance. Shakespeare suggests that wisdom is essential for fair and just laws.
Modern-Day Relevance
Authority vs. Democracy Today
Hobbes’ ideas about authority still apply to modern political systems. In authoritarian regimes like North Korea and China, authority is often absolute. These governments use strict laws and force to maintain control, with little regard for wisdom or moral justice.
In democratic systems, however, there is a greater effort to balance authority with wisdom. For example, courts and legislatures work together to create laws that are not only enforceable but also fair and ethical. This ensures that authority is tempered by the wisdom of public debate and legal interpretation.
The Rule of Law and Human Rights
In the modern world, the rule of law is a guiding principle for most governments. However, the law must be grounded in wisdom to protect human rights. International laws, such as those established by the United Nations, seek to ensure that authority does not become oppressive or unjust.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments imposed strict laws to control the virus. While authority was necessary to enforce these laws, some questioned whether these decisions were always wise or balanced. This shows the ongoing tension between the need for authority and the role of wisdom in governance.
Ethical Leadership and Modern Governance
Today, more leaders and thinkers recognize the importance of combining wisdom with authority. Ethical leadership emphasizes justice, fairness, and moral reasoning in law-making. In many countries, citizens demand that their leaders use both authority and wisdom to create laws that reflect their values.
The balance between these two forces continues to shape our societies. Hobbes’ view of authority may seem harsh, but his ideas still raise important questions about how we govern and enforce laws in the modern world.
Conclusion
Thomas Hobbes believed that authority, not wisdom, is the force that creates and upholds laws. He argued that without strong authority, society would collapse into chaos, as wisdom alone lacks the power to enforce order. For Hobbes, the stability of society depended on the unquestioned authority of rulers, rather than on moral or philosophical reasoning.
However, many philosophers have since challenged Hobbes’ view, arguing that authority must be guided by wisdom to prevent tyranny and injustice. A system based purely on authority risks becoming oppressive, while one grounded in both wisdom and authority can create laws that are both just and enforceable. This balance ensures that laws are not only followed but also fair and ethical.
In today’s world, Hobbes’ ideas remain relevant, particularly in discussions about the nature of power and governance. While his emphasis on authority explains how laws are enforced, modern societies increasingly value wisdom in ensuring justice. The challenge, then, is to find a balance where authority and wisdom work together to create a fair and stable society.
