Publication Date

2018

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Radasanu, Andrea M., 1973-

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Political Science

LCSH

Political science

Abstract

Thomas Hobbes is often portrayed as a proponent of an absolutist government ruled only through fear of punishment. This portrayal overlooks the concern Hobbes had for the safety and security of the citizens of the commonwealth. Inequality and poverty were major concerns for Hobbes as they serve as pathways to sedition and the dissolution of the commonwealth. This essay emphasizes Hobbes's concerns with respect to inequality and poverty. Hobbes's laws of nature provide a blueprint for a welfare state that addresses these issues. The sovereign is obliged to follow the laws of nature and therefore the blueprint for the welfare state.

Comments

Advisors: Andrea Radasanu.||Committee members: James M. Pickerill; Scot Schraufnagel.||Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

26 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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