Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, Chapter 20 summary
Chapter 20 of 65 · Part 2: Of the Commonwealth · 14 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 20, parental and despotic dominion rest on consent rather than birth or victory, and both carry the same rights as sovereignty established by agreement. The argument connects obedience with preservation, uses Scripture to defend absolute authority, and rejects customary practice as a sufficient guide to governing.
What happens
- Sovereignty acquired through force has the same rights as sovereignty established by people who fear one another.
- Parental authority depends on agreement, preservation, or an existing relation of subjection, rather than simply producing a child.
- Conquest creates dominion only when the defeated person agrees to obey in exchange for life and physical freedom.
- An independent family resembles a monarchy, but counts as a commonwealth only when it has sufficient defensive strength.
- Scriptural examples support rulers’ authority over judgment, legislation, property, and obedience.
- The argument defends absolute sovereignty against the dangers of war and rejects practice alone as proof of sound government.
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What to notice
The sentence separates physical conquest from rightful authority. It makes consent, rather than defeat alone, the source of a servant’s obligation.
Quick check
What distinguishes a servant from a captive kept in chains?
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