Ethics – ‘Question under Paper Requirements’

Order Description
Question: Hobbes’ argument for an absolute sovereign is novel because he bases the authority of the sovereign on consent. Explain the role of consent in his account and explain why he believes that consent based on fear of death is morally binding. Critically evaluate his arguments. (1000 words limit)
My essay question is based on Thomas Hobbes’ book – ‘Leviathan’ and would require at least two references to quotes or ideas from the book.

Hobbes’ account of ‘The state of nature’ and social contract theory should be mentioned.

Starting with how the civil war affected Hobbes’ thinking – humans being egoistic and a dim view on how human act.

After a short introduction on the meaning of consent and whether consent from fear of death is actually consent or simply giving in to fear should be included. The anomolies of suicide or martyrs in terms of ‘fear of death’ should be mentioned.

The argument of whether Hobbes’ is agreeing with the idea of a tyrannical leadership should be included – Is hobbes’ saying that tyranny is a better than the ‘state of nature’ (anarchy free for all).
have a strong conclusion providing an opinion.