The subjects’ discretion in the Hobbesian commonwealth

Abstract

The discretion of the reciprocity principle in the Hobbesian formulation obliterates important dimensions of his theory. Among these, the intrinsic necessity that subjects are encouraged to use their ability to make judgments. The article presents a variety of circumstances that corroborate this position, showing that the activity of judging was not confiscated by the sovereign. Rather, it is even necessary for his system.