Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, Chapter 23 summary
Chapter 23 of 65 · Part 2: Of the Commonwealth · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 23, Hobbes defines public ministers by their authority to represent the commonwealth and classifies their administrative, military, teaching, judicial, and enforcement duties. He distinguishes public service from private service and advice, showing that an official’s representative role depends on both authorization and the business performed.
What happens
- A public minister represents the commonwealth on authorized business, rather than serving the sovereign’s private needs.
- Regents and provincial governors exercise delegated authority without acquiring sovereignty unless an explicit grant transfers it.
- Financial officials, military commanders, authorized teachers, and judges represent the sovereign within their assigned responsibilities.
- Judicial fairness requires agreed judges; England’s procedures illustrate consent through challenges and the selection of twelve unchallenged men.
- Enforcement officers and public envoys qualify as ministers, while ceremonial envoys and secret investigators have different representative standing.
- Counselors do not represent the sovereign merely by advising, though additional judicial or administrative powers can make them ministers.
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Why does a soldier without command not represent the commonwealth?
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