Question

Source: Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes (1651).

And therefore if any two men desire the same thing, which…they cannot both enjoy, they become enemies and… endeavor to destroy or subdue one another.

Hereby it is manifest, that during the time men live without a common power [government] to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called War; and such a war, as is of every man, against every man.

...there must be some coercive power, to compel men equally to the performance of their Covenants [contracts], by the terror of some punishment...and such power there is none before the creation of a Commonwealth [government].

The only way to erect such a Common Power...is to appoint one Man...to beareth their Person, shall Act, or cause to be Acted, in those things which concern the Common Peace and Safety; and therein to submit their Wills, everyone to his Will, and their Judgments, to his Judgment. This is more than Consent...it is a real Unity of of them all, in one and the same Person...as if every man should say to every man, I authorize and give up my right of governing my self, to this Man...on this condition, that thou give up thy right to him, and authorize all his actions in like manner. This done, the people so united in one Person is called a Commonwealth...This is the generation of the great Leviathan, or rather the Mortal God, to which we owe under the Immortal God, our peace and defense.


Main Idea:





What is absolutism?
A belief in absolute monarchy






What was his problem with the “ Desire of men”?




What is “Common Power”?


please answer perfurbly by tuesday

Answer 1

Main Idea

When two people want the same thing they become enemies. Between two governments they go to war. The way to stop this is to have one strong leader grant the people peace and prosperity as long as the people give up some rights.

Absolutism is basically when the king has total power

When men want something they will stop at nothing to get it. Hence when When two people want the same thing they become enemies. Between two governments they go to war.

Common power means some sovereign authority forces people to uphold the social contract. (People give up some rights in order for the leader to grant them peace, order, and prosperity)