Study Questions

  1. What is Hobbes’s conception of human nature? Given this account of human nature, what does he think life would be like in the absence of government? Do you agree with him about this? Why or why not?
  2. What is a law of nature, according to Hobbes? What does he think is the most fundamental law of nature? Why should people follow the laws of nature, on Hobbes’s view?
  3. In Hobbes’s view, the right of nature grants each person a considerable amount of liberty. Why does Hobbes think that they should give up some of this liberty, and how does he recommend that they do so? What is the result of giving up liberty in this way? Do you agree that doing so is desirable? Why or why not?
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