| ID | 085002 |
| Title Proper | Defending the hobbesian right of self-defense |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Sreedhar, Susanne |
| Publication | 2008. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | A well-known part of Hobbes's political theory is his discussion of the inalienability of the right of self-defense. In this article, I present and defend a reinterpretation of Hobbes's account of self-defense. I begin by showing the weaknesses of the standard interpretation of this account: It rests on an implausible thesis about the evil of death; it renders Hobbes's applications of the right of self-defense inexplicable; and it conflicts with Hobbes's claim that there are cases in which the right of self-defense can be given up. I argue that we should understand Hobbes's claim to be that the right of self-defense is inalienable only in the social contract, and I offer a new interpretation of how his argument on this point might go. |
| `In' analytical Note | Political Theory Vol. 36, No. 6; Dec 2008: p781-802 |
| Journal Source | Political Theory Vol. 36, No. 6; Dec 2008: p781-802 |
| Key Words | Hobbes ; Self - Defense ; Social Contract ; Obligation ; Rights |