Mendelssohn and Hobbes

This paper examines the extent that Joseph Mendelssohn's theory of natural rights is based on Thomas Hobbes' earlier theories.

3,688 words () | 7 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper explores the theories of both thinkers and compares Hobbes' notion of natural rights to Mendelssohn's thinking. The paper maintains that despite chronological and ideological differences, it is possible to argue that Mendelssohn's theory of natural rights was distinctly Hobbesian.

From the Paper:

"In order to decide if Mendelssohn was Hobbesian, and most specifically in terms of his theories of natural rights, it is necessary to first be clear on what Hobbes's theory of natural rights was. It has been said of Hobbes that he "founded political positivism on the basis of natural law." (Windolph, ix) And it is not possible to understand Hobbes's theory of natural rights without first understanding his view of the nature of reality. For it is upon this view that he went on to build his theories of political science (of which his theory of natural rights is an integral part). In short, Hobbes's theories of political science were founded upon his understanding of human nature."

Sample of Sources Used:

Dahlstrom, Daniel O. Moses Mendelssohn: Philosophical Writings. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997.Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan: The Matter, Form and Power of a Commonwealth Ecclesiastical and Civil. 1651.
Hobbes, Thomas. (Edited by F. Tonnies.) Elements of Law, Natural and Politic. Cambridge, 1928.
Hobbes, Thomas and C.B. MacPherson (Ed.) Leviathan. New York: Penguin, 1986. (First published 1651)
Jospe, Eva. (Transl. and Ed.) Moses Mendelssohn: Selections from his Writings. New York: The Viking Press, 1975.
Mendelssohn, Moses and Alfred Jospe (Ed. and transl.) Jerusalem. New York: Schocken Books, 1969.