Why Hobbes Cannot Limit the Leviathan: A Critical Commentary on Larry May's Limiting Leviathan
Hobbes Studies 27 (2):171-177 (2014)
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Abstract |
This commentary contends that Larry May’s Hobbesian argument for limitations on sovereignty and lawmaking in Limiting Leviathan does not succeed. First, I show that Hobbes begins with a plausible instrumental theory of normativity. Second, I show that Hobbes then attempts, unsuccessfully—by his own lights—to defend a kind of non-instrumental, moral normativity. Thus, I contend, in order to successfully “limit the Leviathan” of the state, the Hobbesian must provide a sound instrumental argument in favor of the sovereign limiting their actions and lawmaking. But, I argue, neither Hobbes nor May provides such an argument.
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Keywords | Hobbes Leviathan justice legitimacy fairness moral instrumental political |
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Reprint years | 2014 |
DOI | 10.1163/18750257-02702001 |
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