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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. What does Hobbes identify as the two ways one can hold sway over others?

2. How does Hobbes classify the person or group of people who have someone speak for them?

3. To be sure one has found reason, what is necessary?

4. What is the sovereign's right in legal matters?

5. What does Hobbes say people are either born with or develop?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hobbes define the origins of religion?

2. Why does Hobbes say that people fear other people?

3. How does Hobbes illustrate what he calls compound imagination?

4. How does Hobbes say people reason?

5. What is Hobbes idea of people being created equal?

6. What does Hobbes believe about judicial interpretation?

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

8. How does Hobbes say that a group may be classified as an author?

9. What are the two ways Hobbes says a commonwealth is created?

10. What is Hobbes' definition of author?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on whether you agree with Hobbes that the power of the sovereign cannot be challenged. Think in terms of sovereign powers today and what they are like when the right of challenge is removed from the people.

Essay Topic 3

For the serious student, write a paper comparing Hobbes' LEVIATHAN to Machiavelli's THE PRINCE. There are similarities in both men's position with the nobility as well as some of the strictness of their ideas.

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