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Leviathan

Leviathan

ClassicsEssays
Pages
711
Published
1651
Language
English

Synopsis

Thomas Hobbes' 1651 masterpiece, Leviathan, is a foundational text in political philosophy. Written during the turbulent English Civil War, it lays out a powerful argument for a strong, centralized government. Hobbes contends that only an absolute sovereign can prevent society from descending into chaos and civil strife.

Prose complexity
10/10

Vibe

Thought-ProvokingIntellectualComplexPhilosophical

Genres

Classics Essays History Philosophy & Religion Politics & Society Philosophy Politics

About the author

T
Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes, in some older texts Thomas Hobbs of Malmsbury, was an English philosopher, remembered today for his work on political philosophy. His 1651 book Leviathan established the foundation for most of Western political philosophy from the perspective of social contract theory. Hobbes also contributed to a diverse array of fields, including history, geometry, physics of gases, theology, ethics, general philosophy, and political science. His account of human nature as self-interested coope...