Kant And Hobbes Comparison

In this paper I am going to compare and contrast the writings and ideas of Immanuel Kant and Thomas Hobbes. Both Kant and Hobbes speak on the subject of obedience to those who hold the power in society. While Kant ([1798] 1996) in his writing, “What is Enlightenment?” discusses how you may argue with those in authority as long as you obey, Hobbes ([1651] 2013) in his book “Leviathan” talks about how we cannot argue with the Sovereign because his will is our will and to argue with him is to argue with yourself, therefore you must obey him in all things. While Kant and Hobbes may have been similar minded on the subject of obedience, they do have differing opinions on who should be allowed to reason within society. Kant ([1798] 1996) believes that everyone should have the ability to reason for himself, while Hobbes ([1651] 2013) states that the Sovereign should reason for us. In his article “What is Enlightenment?” Kant ([1798] 1996) lays before us the subject of obedience. Those in authority may make decisions for us that we do not like or that we do not …show more content…
This is something that they would both agree on. However, while both require obedience, Kant gives permission to disagree and Hobbes does not. It is almost as if Kant is expanding on Hobbes idea of obedience. While Hobbes says that you must obey in all things, Kant is saying that you must obey but it is acceptable if you disagree. In Hobbes writing he states, “He that dissented must now consent with the rest” [1651] 2013). Even if you disagree, you must agree and obey for the common good of the people. Kant says if you disagree, write an article about it and still obey ([1798] 1996). Kant seems to be more open to the idea of enlightenment in this regard by allowing others to voice their opinions without fear of punishment for having a different