How might Hobbes argue that from the time of reformation (1517), with decline in the power of the pope, to WW1 no sufficient structure existed to support the Just War Theory?
To understand how Hobbes might argue that from the time of the Reformation to World War I, there was no sufficient structure to support the Just War Theory, we need to first examine Hobbes' perspective on political authority and the nature of war.
Thomas Hobbes was a philosopher who lived during the 17th century. He is best known for his work on political philosophy, particularly his book "Leviathan." Hobbes believed that humans are inherently self-interested and that without a strong central authority, society would descend into a state of chaos and violence.
According to Hobbes, the purpose of political authority is to maintain peace and prevent individuals from harming one another. He proposed the idea of a social contract, where individuals willingly surrender some of their individual freedoms to a sovereign ruler in exchange for protection and order.
Now, let's consider how Hobbes' perspective might be applied to the historical timeline you mentioned, starting from the Reformation (1517) to World War I.
1. Power Shift from the Pope:
During the Reformation, there was a significant shift in power away from the Pope and the Catholic Church. Martin Luther's criticisms of Catholicism and the subsequent Protestant movements resulted in the fragmentation of religious authority in Europe. Hobbes may argue that this power vacuum created instability and weakened the overall authority needed to enforce and uphold ethical principles such as the Just War Theory.
2. Rise of Nation-States:
As the Reformation unfolded, the power and influence of individual nation-states grew. This period saw the emergence of strong centralized states, such as England, France, and Spain. Hobbes may contend that these states prioritized their own self-interests over ethical considerations like the Just War Theory. The pursuit of territorial expansion, economic power, and political dominance often led to conflicts that were driven by self-interest rather than moral justifications.
3. Absence of Centralized World Order:
Hobbes believed that a strong central authority is essential for maintaining peace and preventing the outbreak of war. However, during the period from the Reformation to World War I, there was no global governing body or supranational organization with the power to enforce international law or ethical standards. Hobbes might argue that this lack of a universal authority left a void in terms of enforcing the principles of the Just War Theory, as there was no centralized structure capable of holding nations accountable for their actions.
4. Technological Advancements and the Escalation of Violence:
During this time, there were significant technological advancements in warfare, including the development of more sophisticated weaponry and the industrialization of military production. Hobbes might contend that these advancements changed the nature of warfare, making it more destructive and difficult to contain within ethical boundaries. He might argue that the lack of a sufficient structure to support the Just War Theory allowed for the escalation of violence and warfare in ways that exceeded traditional ethical constraints.
In summary, Hobbes would likely argue that from the Reformation to World War I, the decline in the power of the Pope, the rise of nation-states, the absence of a centralized world order, and technological advancements contributed to the lack of a sufficient structure to support the Just War Theory. Society lacked a strong central authority capable of upholding the principles of ethical warfare, leading to conflicts driven by self-interest rather than moral justifications.