Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes: resumen de Chapter 21
Chapter 21 de 65 · Part 2: Of the Commonwealth · 17 min para leer el chapter
In Chapter 21, Hobbes defines liberty as freedom from external obstacles and explains how subjects retain freedoms under sovereign power, especially where laws leave their conduct unregulated. He distinguishes authorization from an obligation to harm oneself and makes continued obedience depend on the sovereign’s ability to provide protection.
Qué sucede
- Liberty means freedom from external obstacles, and voluntary actions remain free even when fear or necessary causes produce them.
- Civil laws resemble artificial chains, but subjects remain free in matters the sovereign leaves unregulated.
- Hobbes distinguishes a commonwealth’s independence from personal liberty and criticizes political teachings that confuse them.
- Subjects retain rights of self-defense and may refuse some dangerous commands, though collective defense can require military service.
- Subjects may challenge demands under existing laws, but cannot sue against acts based directly on sovereign authority.
- Obedience depends on protection, with captivity, renunciation, banishment, and a monarch’s submission changing subjects’ obligations.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Leviatán, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
En este chapter
En qué fijarte
Protection explains both political submission and its limits. When sovereign protection fails, the subject’s need to survive determines where obedience belongs.
Comprobación rápida
When may a subject refuse to confess a crime to the sovereign?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Leviatán, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Resúmenes de 15 minutos desde hoy, eBooks y audiolibros a medida que cada libro esté disponible, y libros impresos, también en letra grande, al costo de impresión.
Prueba 3 meses gratis
