Can Hobbes's sovereign ever behave wrongly? If so, what kinds of wrongs might the sovereign commit? Why might a critic claim that any moral limits Hobbes places on sovereign behavior are at best cold comfort for his/her subjects?

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Social Studies

Tobias Kidd

18 April, 14:34

Can Hobbes's sovereign ever behave wrongly? If so, what kinds of wrongs might the sovereign commit? Why might a critic claim that any moral limits Hobbes places on sovereign behavior are at best cold comfort for his/her subjects?

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Veronica Long · Answer 1

Yes, if he breaks any of the laws of nature, because these are the moral laws for Hobbes.

Violating the laws of nature can be not performing one's valid pacts as a ruler or not seeking peace when others want to do so and also not being grateful.

Moral limits that Hobbes places on the ruler are useless, because when we make a pact with the ruler, we give all of our natural rights away to the sovereign.

We cannot question/revolt because they've our rights.

Can only act if we are in danger ⇒ right to self - defense