Single Idea 2374

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 3. Promise Keeping]

Full Idea

If a covenant is made with neither party performing presently, but trust one another, in the condition of mere nature (which is war between men) upon reasonable suspicion, it is void.

Gist of Idea

In the violent state of nature, the merest suspicion is enough to justify breaking a contract

Source

Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan [1651], 1.14)

Book Reference

Hobbes,Thomas: 'Leviathan', ed/tr. Macpherson,C.B. [Penguin 1981], p.196