Document Type : Research Paper

Author

• Mohammad Abdolahpour Chenari

Assistant Professor, Department of Political Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Behemoth is one of Hobbes's most significant and final works of thought. Its importance for research does not stem from its references to historical events or the connections of its previous arguments with historical materials. Instead, it addresses a fundamental issue: the origins of the "collapse" and "fall" of newly established states. The research problem at hand revolves around the same Hobbesian concern. We aim to understand the conditions under which newly founded states collapse and what leads to their dissolution or downfall. A key assumption of this research is that collapse is fundamentally a cognitive matter. Thus, within political knowledge, collapse, and fall are regarded as primary issues, along with establishment and continuity. This idea is also reflected in our Iranian intellectual tradition, particularly in the book Siasatnameh by Khajeh Nizam al-Molk. The choice of Hobbes for this research is significant due to his insights as a thinker of the New Testament, who recognized that the collapse of newly established states—known in the modern context as "artificial persons" characterized by "political sovereignty"—is a critical problem of the contemporary era. This era has led to a regression back to a state of nature, civil war, and national disintegration. For Hobbes, the collapse and dissolution of the state involve two aspects: one stemming from the "legal" angle, as discussed in his book Leviathan, and the other from the "mental" perspective, as presented in Behemoth. The first aspect relates to the time of the state's establishment, while the second pertains to the continuity of power. Before Hobbes, Machiavelli addressed this fundamental problem in his work Discourses, where he viewed the decline of the ancient Roman state as a historical example. In contrast, Hobbes philosophically examined this issue in 17th-century England, particularly during the reign of Charles I. He expanded the collapse theory in newly founded states and proposed an innovative solution that transcended Machiavelli's approach, emphasizing naked force.
Theoretical Approach of the Research
The approach adopted for this research is based on cognitive psychology. This choice is made to analyze Hobbes's thought because other methods, such as Quentin Skinner's hermeneutic approach to intentionalism, John Donne's biography, or Strauss's "Between the Lines," do not effectively address mental and psychological metaphors. In essence, these approaches focus primarily on political concepts and overlook the importance of psychological factors. According to Howard Gardner, the cognitive approach aims to illustrate how mentalities within a political society change. He posits that individuals' mindsets can shift based on several empirical conditions. For instance, one condition that prompts a change is when an individual is exposed to an environment where diverse beliefs and convictions are presented, often differing from their own. Another condition occurs when individuals face traumatic experiences that alter their perspectives on various issues and subjects in their surrounding environment. Moreover, the influence of enlightened figures that individuals encounter can also lead to shifts in thinking. These changes can manifest quickly, such as a sudden shift in religious beliefs, or occur gradually over time (Gardner, 2017, p. 101). Ultimately, metaphors play a crucial role in explaining these changes—whether they are the metaphors through which a thinker interprets the world or those through which ordinary people perceive politics.
Discussion and Conclusion
According to Carl Schmitt, the metaphor of the leviathan in Hobbes' political theory suggests that just as the establishment of the modern state is rooted in political matters, so is the collapse of newly founded states reliant on political and cognitive factors. On one hand, Behemoth serves as a metaphor within a religious context, illustrating the relationship between the creator and the creature and the dynamics between limited and unlimited power. On the other hand, this concept carries an additional metaphorical significance, which implies that collapse, unlike a straightforward fall, is primarily a mental phenomenon influenced by human cognitive beliefs. Accordingly, the demise of a state should be understood in its mental dimensions rather than its natural aspect—defined as the end of political power. Hobbes argued that beliefs such as the desire for power and self-interest have led individuals to conflict with one another, prompting a regression to a more primitive state and creating challenges for newly established states. The historical expression of these dual beliefs is evident in the concepts of "salvation" and "liberation." The first belief highlights the issue of "sin," positing that the path to salvation involves seeking forgiveness and pardon, which has, over time, undermined the authority of the ruling prince. Conversely, the second belief addresses "oppression," suggesting that liberation can be achieved through popular rule, emphasizing the necessity of eradicating tyranny by invoking historical references and contemporary events. In the context of Hobbes's cognitive framework presented in this work, the notion of "departure" emerges as a fundamental belief. He contends that realizing and maintaining security depends on creating political "fear" and instilling a sense of political subordination. This approach is arguably more problematic than the previously mentioned beliefs. According to Hobbes, this educational endeavor should aim to purge the populace of these two rebellious beliefs, fostering obedience and compliance with the ruler's mandates. The ultimate goal of this education is to cultivate a politically constructed individual—a subject entirely submissive and perceived as the foundation of the prince's power.

Keywords

• Modern states
• Collapse
• Cognitive
• Political Metaphor and Behemoth

Main Subjects

• Political Thought