Question

Law was brought into the world for nothing else but to limit the natural liberty of particular men in such manner as they might not hurt but assist one another and join together against a common enemy.

–Thomas Hobbes,
The Leviathan,
1660

According to Hobbes, why do humans participate in a social contract? Check all that apply.

to provide total liberty to all
to help one another
to limit opportunities to harm one other
to work individually without support

Answer 1

- to help one another ✔
- to limit opportunities to harm one other ✔

Not:
- to provide total liberty to all ✘
- to work individually without support ✘

Explanation: Hobbes argues laws (and the social contract) limit individuals' natural liberty so people won't harm one another and can cooperate and join together for mutual protection, not to increase total liberty or promote isolated individualism.