Philosophy 355
Study questions:  Hobbes' Leviathan, Chpts. 18, 19, and 21


1.  What is a sovereign?  What is the function of the sovereign?  What rights does the sovereign
        possess?

2.  Hobbes think that it makes no sense to imagine the subjects of the commonwealth making
        a contract with the sovereign.  Why not?

3.  What are the main alternative forms of commonwealth that Hobbes considers?  Which form
       does he think is superior?  How does he defend this view?

4.  Consider the following objection to Hobbes' view:  The problem with Hobbes' system is that
         it places unlimited power in the hands of the sovereign.  It will be too easy for the sovereign
         to abuse this power (especially in monarchy), leading to the exploitation of subjects. 

       How does Hobbes' respond to this objection?

5.  What limits does Hobbes place on the obligation subjects have to obey the sovereign? (Why?)