Nominalism and Conceptualism in Hobbes's Political Theory

Hobbes developed two theories of language, each with peculiar implications for his views on reason and truth, applied throughout political philosophy. As a nominalist, argues that individuals subsume particular things under general names by an act will. Nominalism supports view the moral anarchy state nature, helps justify arbitrary sovereign. Conceptualism allows to picture sovereign as rational rule-creator subjects rule-followers. Either theory, however, taken alone, contradicts important parts Hobbes's project. The contradictions between result from difficulties inherent in attempt reconcile passion politics.