“Domination and Social Order” in Hobbesian Political Theory

Abstract

The concept of domination is one of the central ideas in modern political and social theory. But, as Anderea Maurer points out, the sociology of domination has long since lost all relevance to the general theory of social science. What is the reason for that?In order to solve this question, we need to go back to the origin of modern political theory, where the prototype of a theory of domination can be seen. We can assume that this prototype has restricted the perspective and possibility of the theory of domination to date.It can be thought that this prototype is Thomas Hobbes's political theory. The Hobbesian political theory is indeed the very forerunner of modern political theory and the theory of domination. In Hobbes's political theory, a clear pattern can be distinguished. It shows the secularization of the conceptions and representations of human societies.This is why I deal with Hobbesian political theory. First, the contents of his prominent book, Leviathan, are examined briefly. Secondly, I remark what I take to be the main features of Hobbesian theory of domination. Finally, I clarify some assumptions which support his theory.