In this book, S. A. Lloyd provides a radical interpretation of Hobbes' laws of nature, revealing them to be not egoistic precepts of personal prudence but rather moral instructions for obtaining the common good. This account of Hobbes' moral philosophy stands in contrast to both divine command and rational choice interpretations. Drawing from the core notion of reciprocity, Lloyd explains Hobbes' system of 'cases in the law of nature' and situates Hobbes' moral philosophy in the broader context of his political philosophy and views on religion. Offering ingenious new arguments, Lloyd defends a reciprocity interpretation of the laws of nature through which humanity's common good is secured.

Preface page ix

Introduction 1

Part One: Moral Philosophy, Method and Matter

1 Moral Judgments 13

2 Moral Judges: Human Nature and Motivation 56

Part Two: From Psychology to Moral Philosophy

3 The Law of Nature: Definition and Function 97

4 A Critical Examination of Derivations of the Laws of Nature 151

5 The Reciprocity Interpretation of Hobbes's Moral Philosophy 211

Part Three: From Moral Philosophy to Civil Philosophy

6 Self-Effacing Natural Law and the Duty to Submit to Government 263

7 Fools, Hypocrites, Zealots, and Dupes: Civic Character and Social Stability 295

8 The Unity of Practical Wisdom 356

Bibliography 411

Index 415

S. A. Lloyd is Professor of Philosophy, Law, and Political Science at the University of Southern California. Lloyd is the author of Ideals as Interests in Hobbes's 'Leviathan': The Power of Mind over Matter.

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