Lying and politics in Thomas Hobbes

from philosophical tradition to contemporany readings

Abstract

This article examines the issue of lying through the lens of Thomas Hobbes’ thought, situating it within the history of philosophy, where it has been understood variously as a political, religious, or social problem. In the contemporary context, marked by fake news and disinformation, lying takes on new significance, affecting democracy, public discourse, and social coexistence. Hobbes is central for linking falsehood to language, the social contract, and sovereignty, highlighting its potential to threaten civil order while acknowledging its legitimate use by the sovereign to preserve political unity. The study further reflects on Hobbes’ understanding of lying in dialogue with Hannah Arendt’s contemporary analysis, which frames falsehood as a constitutive element of modern politics and ideology.