Reading Questions
Thomas Hobbes - The Absolutist Answer

1. According to Hobbes, in what sense are all persons equal?  Can you think of any problems with this analysis of equality?
2. According to Hobbes, what does war consist in and why are all people at war in a state of nature?
3. What does Hobbes say to the objection that there never was such a state of nature?
4. What does Hobbes say about justice and injustice in a state of nature?
5. According to Hobbes, what is the right of nature?
6. What is Hobbes argument for the claim that in a state of nature every man has a right to every thing?
7. According to Hobbes, what is the first natural law or fundamental law of nature?
8. Explain (do not quote) Hobbes' second law of nature.
9. According to Hobbes, what feature of injustice makes it absurd?
10.  According to Hobbes, why are contracts void in a state of nature?  What is needed to make contracts valid?
11. According to Hobbes, what is the third law of nature?  What are the implications of this law of nature?
12. How does Hobbes define good and evil?
13. What is Hobbes view of basic human nature?