Retained Liberties and Absolute Hobbesian Authorization

In: Hobbes studies, Band 11, Heft 1, S. 33-45

Abstract

AbstractHobbes claims that the sovereign's absolute authority is consistent with the subjects' retaining liberties to resist certain commands. In this essay, I explore what it means for subject to authorize a sovereign with a right to command. I show how retained rights are compatible with sovereignty. Though any given subject does not authorize the sovereign to do anything, I argue that the sovereign power is absolute. The sovereign has the most power anyone could command.