Hobbes's Dialogue with the Fool

Abstract

In Leviathan Hobbes engages in a dialog with the Fool, who gives voice to a formidable challenge to his theory. The Fool denies his tenet that just action is always maximizing the benefit of the actor and claims that non-compliance to the agreements can sometimes be of greater benefit for him. Hobbes’ answer is articulated and innovative since it introduces the existence of confederations in the state of nature. Although unsuccessful at its core is nonetheless important since it rejects any interpretation of the transition to the civil state based solely on the force of the laws of nature. Hobbes accepts the ground of individual self-interest and instrumental rationality suggested by the Fool thus parting with the classical, objective natural law tradition and establishing a new one founded on subjective rights.