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Leviathan · Chapter
Part II: Of Commonwealth explained
This part of the work begins the systematic discussion of the formation, rights, and nature of a commonwealth, exploring the transition from the state of nature to civil society through the institution of a sovereign power.
What happens
This part of the work begins the systematic discussion of the formation, rights, and nature of a commonwealth, exploring the transition from the state of nature to civil society through the institution of a sovereign power.
Themes in this chapter
Sovereignty and Absolute Power
The chapter initiates the examination of how a commonwealth is instituted and the absolute rights of the sovereign.
Liberty and Obligation
The transition from natural liberty to civil obligation under a sovereign is a central concern of this part.