Obedience is the act of following orders or complying with commands from an authority figure. In the context of political philosophy, it refers to the relationship between citizens and their government, highlighting the necessity of adherence to laws and regulations to maintain order and stability. This concept is especially crucial when discussing the legitimacy of absolute sovereignty, where citizens yield their individual rights to a sovereign authority for the sake of peace and protection.
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In Hobbes's view, obedience is essential for the maintenance of social order, as individuals in a state of nature would lead to chaos and violence.
The Leviathan represents the sovereign power that individuals must obey to ensure security and prevent the return to the chaotic state of nature.
Hobbes argues that individuals enter into a social contract where they relinquish certain freedoms in exchange for protection and order provided by the sovereign.
Absolute sovereignty requires unconditional obedience from subjects, as any challenge to authority could lead to societal collapse.
Hobbes believes that rebellion or disobedience against the sovereign undermines the very foundation of civil society, leading to instability and conflict.
Review Questions
How does Hobbes justify the need for obedience to an absolute sovereign in maintaining social order?
Hobbes justifies obedience to an absolute sovereign by arguing that in the absence of such authority, individuals would revert to a state of nature characterized by chaos and violence. He posits that a strong central authority, represented by the Leviathan, is necessary to enforce laws and maintain peace among citizens. Without this obedience, the security and stability promised by the social contract would be lost, leading to disorder.
Discuss the implications of absolute sovereignty on individual freedoms as understood by Hobbes in relation to obedience.
Absolute sovereignty, according to Hobbes, requires individuals to surrender certain freedoms in exchange for protection and order. This means that while citizens may have limited personal liberties, their obedience to the sovereign is essential for ensuring collective security. The implications are significant: individuals must trust that their sovereign will protect their remaining rights, even if it means sacrificing some autonomy for the sake of societal stability.
Evaluate how Hobbes's concept of obedience challenges modern views on authority and individual rights.
Hobbes's concept of obedience poses a stark contrast to modern views that prioritize individual rights and question authoritarian structures. While he argues that absolute sovereignty is necessary for peace, contemporary political thought often emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and resistance against unjust authority. This challenge invites debate on how much power should be vested in leaders versus the responsibility of citizens to hold them accountable, illustrating a fundamental tension between security and freedom in political philosophy.
A theoretical agreement in which individuals consent to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to an authority in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.
The authority of a state to govern itself or another state, often characterized by absolute power over its territory and population.
Civil Disobedience: The act of intentionally disobeying laws or commands as a form of protest against perceived injustices or immoral actions of the government.