Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Hobbes thought that monarchy was preferable to aristocracy or democracy.
Reason (R): Hobbes argued that self indulgence of one in comparison to many would be cheaper.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

For Hobbes, the Sovereign is the "Soul" of the state. He preferred Monarchy because "where the public and private interest are most closely united, there is the public most advanced."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Thomas Hobbes, while providing a theoretical basis for absolute sovereignty that could apply to any form of government, expressed a clear preference for Monarchy.

Step 1: Evaluating Assertion (A).
Assertion (A) is correct. In *Leviathan*, Hobbes argued that while the sovereign power can be a single person or an assembly, a Monarchy is the most effective form. He believed it provided the most unity and the least amount of internal conflict.

Step 2: Evaluating Reason (R).
Reason (R) is correct. Hobbes used several practical arguments to defend Monarchy. One of his more cynical yet logical points was that in a Monarchy, the sovereign's private interest is identical to the public interest. He noted that if a ruler is "self-indulgent" or corrupt, the cost of one man's corruption is much "cheaper" for the subjects than the collective corruption of many members in an assembly (Aristocracy or Democracy).

Step 3: Analyzing the Relationship.
Reason (R) directly explains Assertion (A). Hobbes preferred Monarchy because he believed it was more efficient and less burdensome. By arguing that "one man's greed" is less damaging than the "greed of many," he provided a logical justification for why Monarchy was the most "preferable" form of absolute rule.