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Hobbes Leviathan Chapter 17 Analysis

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In Hobbe’s Leviathan chapter seventeen: “Of the Causes, Generation, and Definition of a Common-wealth” depicts covenants. The passage comes from the subsection “Which Is Not to be had from the Law of Nature” wherein it focuses on the conception of preservation within the human nature. Hobbes justifies society's acceptance of moral laws because they promote self-preservation when enforced by an absolute monarch. First and foremost, the passage emphasizes the law of nature; which relates to the theory that one does not voluntarily conduct themselves in a way that is destructive to their own life. In other words, the law of nature inherently binds you to act safely because the law is a constraint that assumes one has a fundamental self-interest …show more content…

People hold a natural desire for liberty and dominion over other individuals. Specifically, humankind wants the power of doing according to their choice; while being in control of others to avoid the possibility of others determining their livelihood because Hobbes believes humankind falls into the tendency of carrying inherent distrust of others. Thus, covenants are created to implement the desire of liberty and dominion over other into actuality. The covenants want people to desire the same things freely, but for the community to work, it must be in the context in which the people share similar desires to create a community interest. However, the covenants must enable a mutual restriction of freedom among the people in hopes to maintain peace. Hobbes, accordingly, states “covenants without the sword are but words and of no strength to secure a man at all.” He means that without the Sword peace will not occur. Someone- particularly the third party- must interfere with the covenants to enforce the laws and keep the community

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