Hobbes, Montaigne et les raisons de la loi

After a brief discussion of the methodological differences between the philosophical approaches of Hobbes and Montaigne, the article focuses on their respective views on reason and law, as well as on the theme of obedience to civil laws. While Hobbes bases on human nature the need for a commonwealth and for binding laws, Montaigne does not try to provide the foundations of a political science, but instead relies on the sceptical argument that wise men must live within the framework of laws specific to their own country, since to act otherwise would be dangerous, for it would bring about civil war.