Question

In proposing the ‘state of nature’ and the ‘ground of legitimate government’, Thomas Hobbes would agree on which of the following?

• A. In the state of nature, rights cannot be enforced
• B. The sovereign power creates the possibility of a just order
• C. The agreement among all cannot be rational to the extent that each person benefits from it
• D. The sovereign lies within the contract which creates it, and therefore, is bound by its terms

Hint:

Hobbes’ theory emphasizes the necessity of a powerful sovereign to transform chaotic natural conditions into a lawful civil state.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B

Step 1: Understand Hobbes' "state of nature".
In this condition, life is chaotic and insecure. There is no higher authority to enforce rights — everyone has a right to everything, leading to a war of all against all.

Step 2: Hobbes’ view on sovereignty.
To escape the state of nature, people create a social contract and surrender rights to a sovereign, who then enforces law and order, making justice possible.

Step 3: Option analysis.
(A) is correct — rights are unenforceable in the state of nature.
(B) is also correct — sovereignty is necessary for a just order.
(C) contradicts Hobbes — he believes the agreement is rational.
(D) is incorrect — Hobbes' sovereign is above the contract.