HOBBES

Question 1

What is the authorization formula of the state?

Answer 1

1. Social contract
   a) obligation
2. Sovereign legitimised by their ability to ensure peace (the only viable good)
   a) method irrelevant
   b) people always divisive as there is no objective truth about societal relations

Question 2

What is Hobbes’ account of the sovereignty?

Answer 2

1. Absolute
   a) Undivided
   b) Unlimited

Question 3

What is Hobbes’ view on natural liberty?

Answer 3

1. Stem from reasoned natural laws and rights
2. Self-preservation is a natural law
   a) Seeking peace is a natural right
   b) Self-defence is a natural right
   [c) Abide by covenants + others]

Question 4

What is Hobbes’ view on civil liberty?

Answer 4

1. Legislation restricts liberty rather than enable it

2. Allowed to contest authority when natural rights endangered (e.g. murder)

Question 5

What is Hobbes’ account of the state of nature?

Answer 5

1. SoN = State of war
2. Lacks government
3. Fear of violent death overwhelming
4. No comforts of civilised life