estrained exercise of individual judgment which, in effect, makes common action highly uncertain or virtually impossible. Where it is impossible to obtain a unanimity of wills and agreement, in which a common policy cannot be determined, then the artificial will or the artificial person is in need of creation and acceptance, because it is the sovereign power - the artificial person that effectively constitutes the state. This is a point of critical significance in Hobbes's political philosophy. He was primarily concerned with the problems of union and unity within the commonwealth, with the construction of such a unity, and the possibility of common action that is a product of that unity. The absence of unanimity in decision making, and irresolvable conflicts of interest frustrate and militate against a natural unity. Therefore, in the event of open conflict, this would jeopardize the lives and the welfare of the subjects. Within civil society common action becomes essential, despite individual projects and disagreements, if the subjects of that society are to enjoy a peaceful and harmonious common life. A civil society, or commonwealth, must have a clearly defined and unambiguous decision-making procedure, which can arrive at definite decisions, and then initiate common action; despite divergence of consciences and a lack of unanimity. That is primarily the focal point of Hobbes's concern, and is central to his concept of sovereignty. Those who are aggressively and belligerently dedicated to their own self-interest or self-preservation, may not necessarily constitute the principal threat to peace and harmony in the commonwealth. Those who are normally honest, intelligent and decent may represent an even greater threat to civil stability, because they believe they have right on their side and they may, therefore, be even more stubborn in fighting for what they want, and negating the legitimate demands of others. It is for this reason ...
