Phenomena of freedom and justice in the interpretations of T. Hobbes and J. Locke

Abstract

This study gives a possible representation of T. Hobbes and J. Locke's visions of the essence of 'freedom' and 'justice' phenomena. The philosophic-historical analysis performed in the article made it possible to reveal the fundamental ideological conflict between statism and liberalism, between the utilitarian, entirely pragmatic understanding the nature of the social contract (in Hobbes's political philosophy), and moral-ethical accents on the essential foundations of a state-organized society (in Locke's political thoughts). In Hobbes's political conception, a strong point is its realistic and pragmatic nature, in particular that Hobbes takes into account a marginal element, namely: the reluctance of individual members of the community to self-restraint other than under pressure from society and the state. Simultaneously, Hobbes generally ignores the moral and ethical preconditions inherent to human nature, reducing the social contract ontology to purely utilitarian aspects. Hobbes emphasizes the key role of the state in consolidating free and selfish individuals into a single political community, within which only the emergence of such a quality as "justice" is possible. The freedom of the individual loses its absolute character, as each member of this socio-political community gives up a part of his freedom in favor of 'Leviathan' (i.e. the sovereign, the state), agreeing to limit his freedom in exchange for welfare and relative security. Beginning from this moment it is fair for each individual to comply with the terms of that universally binding social contract, and its violation by someone within the community deemed to be unjust. On the contrary, Locke forms an idea of the ethical basis of the human community. Locke's political anthropology is based on the close relationship between the principle of justice and the imperatives of reason. The latter are not identified by Locke solely with the rational calculation of individual interest, but approach the universal ethical and legal requirements to ensure equal opportunities in the implementation and protection of freedoms and interests of the individual living in society. Under such conditions, justice means that a person acquires the maximum opportunities to fulfill his own freedoms (in all its diversity), without violating the freedoms of others.