The subjects must obey the sovereign's laws from "summary" of Hobbes: Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
In commonwealths, the subjects are bound to obey the laws established by the sovereign. This obligation arises from the social contract that forms the basis of political authority. Without this obedience, there would be chaos and anarchy, as each individual pursued their own interests without regard for the common good. The sovereign, whether a single person or an assembly, is entrusted with the power to make and enforce laws for the benefit of all members of the commonwealth. The laws enacted by the sovereign are meant to promote peace, order, and security within society. By obeying these laws, individuals contribute to the stability and well-being of the commonwealth as a whole. Disobedience to the sovereign's laws undermines the authority of the government and threatens the social order. It is therefore essential for the subjects to recognize and respect the authority of the sovereign in matters of legislation and governance. The relationship between the sovereign and the subjects is one of mutual obligation. While the subjects are required to obey the laws of the sovereign, the sovereign is obligated to act in the best interests of the commonwealth. This reciprocity forms the basis of political legitimacy and ensures the stability of the social contract. Without this mutual obligation, the authority of the sovereign would be called into question, leading to unrest and dissent among the subjects. It is important for the subjects to understand that the laws of the sovereign are not arbitrary dictates, but rather expressions of the general will of the commonwealth. By obeying these laws, individuals demonstrate their allegiance to the political community and their commitment to upholding the social contract. In this way, the obedience of the subjects is essential for the maintenance of political order and the preservation of the common good.- The obedience of the subjects to the sovereign's laws is a fundamental principle of political authority. By recognizing the authority of the government and obeying its laws, individuals contribute to the stability and well-being of the commonwealth. This obedience is not a mere formality, but a vital component of the social contract that underpins political legitimacy and ensures the peaceful coexistence of individuals within society.
Similar Posts
Customary laws predate formal laws
The origins of legal systems are often traced back to a period when formal laws did not yet exist. Instead, societies relied on...
Socrates emphasizes the importance of selfreflection and introspection
In the dialogue of 'The Republic', Socrates consistently directs his interlocutors to look inward, to reflect upon their own be...
Role of government in society
The role of government in society is a crucial and complex issue that has been debated by philosophers, politicians, and citize...
The constitution should be based on reason
A constitution should be based on reason, for it is through reason that humans are able to govern themselves in an orderly and ...
He discusses the importance of political associations in a democratic society
In a democratic society, the significance of political associations cannot be understated. These organizations serve as a cruci...
Laws shape cultural norms
The relationship between laws and cultural norms is a complex and intertwined one. Laws, which are established rules and regula...
Rise of identity politics in modern world
In modern times, there has been a notable shift towards identity politics as a significant force shaping political dynamics acr...
The Fallacy of Job Creation through Government Spending
The idea that government spending can create jobs is a fallacy that is often perpetuated in discussions about economic policy. ...
Democracy is rooted in a sense of civic duty
The idea that democracy is rooted in a sense of civic duty is a fundamental one. It suggests that in order for a democratic soc...