Hobbes's 'Leviathan'

Authors: Laurie M. Johnson Bagby, Laurie M. Bagby

Key Ideas

1. Hobbes's 'Leviathan' explores the concept of social contract and the nature of government. Hobbes argues that individuals willingly give up certain freedoms in exchange for security and order provided by the government. 2. The state of nature, as described by Hobbes, is a state of war, where life is 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.' This state of nature necessitates the creation of a common power to maintain peace. 3. Hobbes believes that the sovereign must have absolute power to maintain order and prevent the chaos of the state of nature. This absolute power is necessary for the....
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Quiz

1. What is Hobbes's concept of the state of nature?

A state of war where life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

A harmonious state where individuals live in peace and cooperation.

A neutral state where individuals have unlimited freedom.

A state governed by natural laws.

2. Why does Hobbes argue that individuals enter into a social contract?

To give up their freedoms for the common good.

To maintain their natural rights.

To establish a democratic government.

To create chaos and anarchy.

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