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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Hobbes insist people go when they disagree?

2. Why does Hobbes insist that the commonwealth is born out of human politics?

3. What is the second right of the sovereign?

4. How does Hobbes classify discourse that cannot be proven?

5. What is the term he uses for reasoning with another person?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hobbes differentiate between command and counsel?

2. In any political situation, what does Hobbes identify as a basic right?

3. Why does Hobbes say men will give up some of their freedoms?

4. What are the three sovereignties Hobbes defines?

5. How does Hobbes describe a despotic dominion?

6. How does Hobbes say people reason?

7. Relate Hobbes' examples of a contract or a covenant.

8. How does Hobbes extol the idea of the commonwealth?

9. How does Hobbes define justice?

10. What does Hobbes say about justice, gratitude, modesty, equity, and mercy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Hobbes' political philosophy, the only valid reason for taking up arms against a sovereign is for self protection. Write your paper based on Hitler's taking over Germany and the plight of the Jews and other minorities his persecuted. Hobbes' theory is that the people thus under such a sovereign are constrained to obey the laws of the sovereign first.

Essay Topic 2

Write a paper describing what you think the ideal commonwealth would be like. In the paper, discuss how peace in the community would be maintained and how the commonwealth would be protected. Also mention your idea of the rights the citizens would enjoy.

Essay Topic 3

Write a critique of LEVIATHAN. In this paper give a brief synopsis, the parts you found most interesting, and the parts (if any) you found objectionable. Conclude with your recommendation on whether it is a good read for those who are interested in political philosophy.

(see the answer keys)

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