The commonwealth is created through a social contract from "summary" of Hobbes: Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
To understand the formation of a commonwealth, one must first consider the nature of man in a state of nature. In this state, every individual has a right to everything, which leads to a constant state of war. Life becomes solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. The state of nature is a state of perpetual conflict, where every man is a potential threat to every other man. To escape this state of war, individuals come together and agree to create a commonwealth. This agreement forms a social contract, where individuals transfer their rights to a sovereign authority. In doing so, they establish a common power that will protect them from external threats and maintain peace and security within the commonwealth. The sovereign authority, whether it be a monarch or a democracy, is entrusted with the power to make and enforce laws for the common good of the people. In return, the individuals within the commonwealth agree to obey these laws and relinquish their right to challenge the authority of the sovereign. This mutual agreement forms the basis of a stable society, where individuals are protected by the common power of the sovereign. The social contract that creates the commonwealth is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. As long as individuals continue to live within the commonwealth, they are bound by the terms of the social contract. Any attempt to challenge the authority of the sovereign or undermine the laws of the commonwealth is a violation of the social contract and threatens the stability of society.- The commonwealth is created through a social contract in which individuals agree to transfer their rights to a sovereign authority in exchange for protection and security. This agreement forms the basis of a stable society where individuals live together peacefully under the authority of the sovereign.
Similar Posts
I served as a diplomat in England and France
During my time as a diplomat in England and France, I found myself in a position of great responsibility. It was a challenging ...
Religion influences nationalistic feelings
The intertwining of religion and nationalism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been observed in various societi...
Freedom is essential for a thriving society
Freedom is the bedrock upon which a thriving society is built. It is the fundamental principle that allows individuals to pursu...
Collective security
Collective security is a concept in international relations that emphasizes the importance of the collective security of all st...
The importance of a wellregulated militia
The concept of a well-regulated militia is closely tied to the security and defense of a nation. In times of peace, such a mili...
Gender and politics
Gender and politics are intertwined in the fabric of society, influencing power dynamics and decision-making processes. Histori...
The sovereign is accountable to the people for the protection of their rights
In a commonwealth, the sovereign holds authority over the people, with the power to make laws and enforce them. This sovereign ...