In Thomas Hobbes’ groundbreaking political treatise, ‘Leviathan’, the author explores the nature of government and society in the 17th century. Written during a time of political upheaval in England, Hobbes delves into the concept of the social contract and the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent chaos. His writing style is clear and logical, presenting his arguments in a systematic manner that influenced political theory for centuries to come. ‘Leviathan’ is a seminal work in the development of modern political philosophy, challenging readers to consider the role of the state and the rights of individuals in society. Hobbes’ exploration of human nature and political power remains relevant in today’s world, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of government and society. Readers interested in political theory and the foundations of modern governance will find Hobbes’ ‘Leviathan’ to be a thought-provoking and enlightening read.
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Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) was an eminent English philosopher and political theorist, best known for his influential work on social contract theory and the nature of human governance. Born in Westport, adjoining Malmesbury, England, Hobbes had his intellectual maturation at the time of the European Wars of Religion, experiences which shaped much of his understanding of human conflict and the necessity for strong central authority. His magnum opus ‘Leviathan, ‘ published in 1651, articulates a foundational structure for modern political philosophy, where he depicts the natural condition of mankind as ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short’ in the absence of political order and law (Hobbes, 1651). In ‘Leviathan, ‘ Hobbes proposes that to escape this natural state, individuals must unite under a sovereign authority—a Leviathan—to enforce peace and societal laws. Hobbes’s thesis revolves around the absolute power of the sovereign and the exchange of individual liberty for collective security. This work forms a cornerstone of the concept of the social contract, influencing subsequent political theorists, including John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Hobbes’s literary style in ‘Leviathan, ‘ famously complex and systematic, is evidenced by the exhaustive examination of human psychology, ethics, and political organization. His use of natural law was a precursor to later Enlightenment thought. Hobbes’s intellectual legacy extends beyond ‘Leviathan’ and includes earlier works such as ‘De Cive’ (On the Citizen) and ‘Elementa Philosophica de Cive, ‘ which also examine human nature and lay the groundwork for his political doctrines.
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