Evolution of Liberalism and Hobbesian Political Theory

Liberalism and Its Core Foundations

Liberalism encompasses several branches, including the assumptions of classical liberalism, utilitarianism, social liberalism, and neoliberal ideas. To understand these ideologies, there are three basic pillars:

The Three Pillars of Political Ideology

• Libertad (Liberty)
• Igualdad (Equality)
• Orden (Order)

Ideologies emerge by combining these elements (liberalism, socialism, conservatism, etc.). No doctrine uses only one; they are combined, and depending on the ratio, one doctrine or another arises.

Historical Origins and the Atlantic Revolutions

The first time the word "liberal" was used was in the Cortes of Cádiz (1812). The first stage of these ideas was the English Puritan Republic (1640–88), culminating in the Glorious Revolution. This period overrode the feudal social system of absolute monarchy in favor of a parliamentary system. Thus, it became a republic, but later transitioned into a parliamentary monarchy. With it began the cycle of the Atlantic revolutions, culminating in the French Revolution.

Thomas Hobbes and the Theory of the State

At first, there was much disorder, and no one knew exactly where it was headed. Thomas Hobbes is one of the first theorists of liberalism. He analyzes secular and ecclesiastical power in Leviathan, using a monster as a metaphor for the State. The State holds both Anglican religious and secular power, which it controls further. The absolute monarchy controlled the only source of authority and the oligarchs who were sent.

Hobbes describes this new state based on several issues. He wanted to provide order and discipline and, ultimately, freedom. He sought to legitimize a form of governance based on the absolute freedom of human beings to avoid further chaos. Hobbes was deeply afraid of instability.

The Human Condition and the Social Contract

How is the human being? Selfish, looking only after their own interests. If there is no society and no state, it results in a "war of all against all." Operating outside of society was very much in vogue due to the myth of the "noble savage." This led Hobbes to decide that all members of society are free, and he states the right to equality by the mere fact of being born. This broke with previous stratified traditions; therefore, man must have the same conditions.

Consequently, free human beings decided to establish order in chaos by setting society upon artificial social norms. A neutral party is needed to impose penalties on anyone breaking the rules. A political contract is signed freely, delegating powers to the state to preserve order and stability. This political agreement legitimizes the state. It is irrevocable, and a change of government can only be justified if it does not guarantee social peace; in that case, there is an insurrection. It legitimizes an absolute rule. Hobbes also proposes some fundamental rights: