What are the laws of nature?

Translation: quotations from Thomas Hobbes are quoted in the 1651 English version of De Cive (Philosophical Rudiments), attributed to Hobbes himself, not his original words.

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• BELIEF (undated; quoted in the 1651 English version of De Cive (Philosophical Rudiments), attributed to Hobbes himself): Thomas Hobbes believed that the law of nature is the dictate of right reason, conversant about those things which are either to be done or omitted for the constant preservation of life and members, as much as in us lies. [1]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in the 1651 English version of De Cive (Philosophical Rudiments), attributed to Hobbes himself): Thomas Hobbes believed that the law of nature is not an agreement of men, but the dictate of reason. He argued that the fundamental law of nature is to seek peace where it may be had, and where not, to defend ourselves. He also believed that the first special law of nature is that our rights to all things ought not to be retained. [2]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in the 1651 English version of De Cive (Philosophical Rudiments), attributed to Hobbes himself): Thomas Hobbes believed that the laws of nature are immutable and eternal, and include prohibitions against pride, ingratitude, breach of contracts (or injury), inhumanity, and contumely. He argued that these laws are not to be estimated by actions but by the counsel and conscience of the actor, and their purpose is peace and defence. [3]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in the 1651 English version of De Cive (Philosophical Rudiments), attributed to Hobbes himself): Thomas Hobbes believed that the laws of nature are moral rules that obligate individuals in the court of conscience, but not necessarily in external actions unless it can be done with safety. He argued that these laws are known through reason and include principles such as not doing to others what one would not want done to oneself. "We must therefore conclude, that the law of nature doth always and everywhere oblige in the internal court, or that of conscience; but not always in the external court, but then only when it may be done with safety." [4]
• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Hobbes believed that the laws of nature are those which men are to take knowledge of for law not upon other men's words, but every one from his own reason, and that they are agreeable to the reason of all men. He argues that these laws need not any publishing or proclamation, as they are contained in the principle of doing to others what one would not want done to oneself. "The laws of nature therefore need not any publishing, nor proclamation; as being contained in this one sentence, approved by all the world, Do not that to another, which thou thinkest unreasonable to be done by another to thyself." [5]
• BELIEF (undated): Thomas Hobbes believed that the laws of nature are those that, when fulfilled, are good in reason and when broken, evil. He argues that these laws are connected to the preservation of individuals, which is the natural aim of every person. The habit or intention to fulfill these laws is considered good, while neglecting them is evil. "And therefore the fulfilling of all these laws is good in reason, and the breaking of them evil." [6]

What cuts against it

• Nothing in the retrieved passages cuts against the answer beyond the ledger entries above.

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. Thomas Hobbes defined the laws of nature as the dictate of right reason, aimed at the preservation of life and members. [1]

2. He argued that the fundamental law of nature is to seek peace where it may be had, and where not, to defend ourselves. [2]

3. Hobbes believed that the laws of nature are immutable and eternal, including prohibitions against pride, ingratitude, breach of contracts, inhumanity, and contumely. [3]

4. He stated that these laws are known through reason and include principles such as not doing to others what one would not want done to oneself. [4]

5. Hobbes argued that the laws of nature are those that, when fulfilled, are good in reason and when broken, evil. [6]

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: DIRECT

Extrapolation: Thomas Hobbes believed the laws of nature are moral rules derived from reason, aimed at preserving life and achieving peace. These laws are immutable and include prohibitions against actions like breach of contracts and inhumanity. They obligate individuals in the court of conscience, not necessarily in external actions unless it can be done with safety.

Competing readings: None.

Confidence: High, based on direct statements in multiple passages.