Political Science · Western Political Thought
Which cannot be the basis of not obeying the command of the sovereign, as per Thomas Hobbes?
ATo protect the right of self-preservation
BWhen the laws and commands of the Sovereign are arbitrary ✓ Correct
CTo protect family and honour
DWhen the sovereign is not able to maintain peace and security
Correct answer: (B) When the laws and commands of the Sovereign are arbitrary — The arbitrariness of the sovereign's laws cannot justify disobedience for Hobbes.
Explanation
★The arbitrariness of the sovereign's laws cannot justify disobedience for Hobbes.
★Hobbes held that subjects are better off obeying even arbitrary laws and commands.
★Disobeying would risk a return to the state of nature, which is far worse than any arbitrary rule.
★The one true exception is self-preservation, since no one can be bound to let himself be killed.
★A subject may also stop obeying when the sovereign can no longer protect his life and security.
★Protecting one's family and honour connects closely to that same right of self-preservation.
★So only the mere arbitrariness of commands is no valid ground for disobedience.
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