Philosophy 101
Study Questions:  Hobbes' Leviathan, pp. 648-653


1.  In previous chapters Hobbes has described the "natural condition of mankind", that is,
        the condition of human beings in the state of nature (outside society).  How does Hobbes
        think we can escape this state of nature?  How do we create a commonwealth?

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

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

4.  Consider Hobbes' account of the commonwealth and the sovereign.  What objection might
       someone raise against this account?  How might Hobbes best respond to this objection?