| Moralizing Tone! |
| Thomas Hobbes - The Elements of Law Natural |
| From the two principal parts of our nature, Reason and Passion, have proceeded two kinds of learning, mathematical and dogmatical. The former is free from controversies and dispute, because it consisteth in comparing figures and motion only; in which things truth and the interest of men, oppose not each other. But in the later there is nothing not disputable, because it compareth men, and meddleth with their right and profit; in which as oft as reason is against a man, so oft will a man be against reason. And from hence it comes, that they who have written of justice and policy in general do all invade each other, and themselves, with contradiction. To reduce this doctrine to the rules and infallibility of reason, there is no way, but first, to put such principles down for a foundation, as passion not mistrusting may not seek to displace: And afterward to build thereon the truth of cases in the law of nature (which hitherto have been built in the air) by degrees, till the whole be inexpugnable. Now (my Lord) the principles fit for such a foundation, are those which I have heretofore acquainted your Lordship withal in private discourse; and which, by your command I have here put into method. To examine cases thereby, between sovereign and sovereign, or between sovereign and subject, I leave to them, that shall find leisure, and encouragement thereto. -Analysis Thomas Hobbes conveys a very moralizing tone in his essay The Elements of Law Natural and Politic. He initially states there are "two kinds of learning, mathematical and dogmatically." The first have no controversy and the latter being filled with it. The point of his essay is to end the controversy of the latter by creating a set principle for it. He tries to create a cases for the law of nature and to distinguish the difference of sovereign and subject. The main purpose of his works is to present his ideas and to influence the reader to conform to his beliefs. MLA Hobbes, Tomas.The Elements of Law Natural and Politics. 1640. 15 Nov. 2003. <http://www.thomas-hobbes.com/works/elements.html>. Home |
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