The Importance of Speech, Reason, and Science in Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan

🗣️Speech is a fundamental human ability and plays an important role in communication, understanding, and expression.

🧠Reason is a learned process that relies on correct speech and the use of words and names to accurately signify thoughts.

🤝Speech can be used to deceive and harm others, highlighting the ethical responsibilities associated with communication.

📜English orthography and grammar were new concepts during Hobbes' time, and he advocated for the creation of a dictionary.

🔬Reason and science are interconnected, with reason depending on correct speech and the scientific method for accurate understanding.

What are the uses of speech according to Thomas Hobbes?

—Thomas Hobbes outlines four uses of speech: to keep track of observations, communicate understanding, convey intentions and seek help, and to entertain oneself.

What are the abuses of speech identified by Hobbes?

—According to Hobbes, the abuses of speech include inattention to accuracy, deceptive use of metaphor, lying, and using words to cause harm with no intent to instruct.

How does Hobbes view reason?

—Hobbes sees reason as a mathematical process that must be taught. It involves adding and subtracting correctly used words and names to accurately signify thoughts.

What is absurdity according to Hobbes?

—Absurdity, according to Hobbes, includes the use of metaphoric language, senseless and ambiguous words, and religious concepts that lack rational basis.

What is the connection between human will and behavior, according to Hobbes?

—Hobbes believes that human will and behavior are driven by feelings of fear or desire. This aligns with Freudian psychology’s emphasis on the influence of passions on human actions.

00:01The video focuses on chapters four through seven of Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan, highlighting the importance of speech, reason, and science.

00:15Hobbes establishes God as the first author of speech and discusses the four uses of speech: observation, communication, conveying intentions, and entertainment.

00:34Hobbes identifies abuses of speech, including inattention to accuracy, deceptive use of metaphor, lying, and using words to cause harm.

00:48Hobbes explores English orthography and grammar and advocates for the creation of a dictionary to standardize language usage.

00:59Reason, according to Hobbes, is dependent on correct speech and the scientific method. It is a mathematical process that must be taught.

01:19Hobbes warns against absurdity, which includes metaphoric language, senseless and ambiguous words, and religious concepts without rational basis.

01:33The video highlights the subjective nature of good and evil according to Hobbes and emphasizes the importance of agreed-upon definitions.

02:00Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis aligns with Hobbes' idea that human will and behavior are driven by fear and desire.