THOMAS HOBBES: POLITIC, FEAR AND SOCIAL CONFLICTS

Abstract

This paper aims to present a discussion of the relationship between fear and social conflict in the hobbesian thought. At first, I present the way how the English author builds a mechanistic anthropology that has the generalized conflict as the only possible outcome. Afterwards, I intend to show how this conflict can lead to a peaceful political order. In this path, it will be essential to understand how obedience and fear operate as the political tools. Finally, I argue how the hobbesian political thought ultimately favors political models with lack of democratic principles, guided by obedience, averse to public opinion and public participation.