Question

Topics for short answer questions for Hobbes:

1. The means by which men signify their willingness to surrender their right to self-preservation to the sovereign, (chapter 14)

2. The expectations that can be made upon both parties who enter into a contract.

3. The means by which a sovereign attains power, (end of chapter 17)

Answer 1

• 3.According to Hobbes,within the establishment of commonwealths (by institution or acquisition), man’s main priority for his ownself-preservation and security can be found. In the case of a commonwealth existing by form of institution, a multitude of men subject themselves to a chosen sovereign out of fear of death. In giving up their natural right of liberty, by ‘covenant of every one, with everyone’, they subject themselves to the sovereign.
• This is also otherwise known as a ‘political commonwealth’, and in the Hobbesian mindset, a more structured way for man to proceed into the establishment of a civilised society. One in which envelops a greater degree of security and respect for human life.
• If the commonwealth is formed by no other means than that of violence, then it has been formed by acquisition. In this fearful way, men subject themselves to a sovereign, out of a fear of the sovereign himself.
• In contrast of these two different kinds of commonwealth, the rights of the sovereign can never be affected: ‘The rights and consequences of sovereignty are the same in both.’In the sovereign all are united in one person or assembly by mutual covenants with one another and are subject to his sovereign power (including the churches).
• Although, the sovereign in himself is not a party to the covenant, his sovereignty derives from it. From this there are no covenants between himself and his subjects. In the case of the sovereign being an individual or assembly of individuals, his power is absolute. All power of judgement and legislation are invested in him, as he has: ‘the right of making war and peace with other nations, and commonwealths; that is to say, of judging for the public good.’
• The sovereign receives his power from those who are subject to him as he alone is the biggest terrorist who institutes fear as the basis of establishing peace at home and abroad. It is through fear of the sovereign that his subjects trust each other, for he fears no one. The sovereign can never be executed, not even by those who are subject to him. In doing so, one would indirectly punishan other for one’s own irresponsible actions.
• Due to time limit,remaining can be asked as another question,they will be answered,thankyou for your cooperation