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In this seminal text, Hobbes argues for the absolute sovereignty of the state and the need for a social contract to maintain order and prevent the chaos of the state of nature.
By virtue of this fact, man would automatically return to the state of nature until a new contract is made. Unique Leviathan, the classic work of political philosophy by Thomas Hobbes, has been a cornerstone of Western thought for centuries. Since the social contract was made to institute a state that would provide for the peace and defense of the people, the contract would become void as soon as the government no longer protected its citizens. However, Hobbes did discuss the possible dissolution of the State. He thus denied any right of rebellion toward the social contract. Influenced by the English Civil War, Hobbes wrote that chaos or civil war - situations identified with a state of nature and the famous motto bellum omnium contra omnes (the war of all against all) - could only be averted by strong central government. In the book, Hobbes argues for a social contract and rule by a sovereign. The book concerns the structure of society (as represented figuratively by the frontispiece, showing the state giant made up of individuals). Leviathan, or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Common Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil is a book written in 1651 by Thomas Hobbes. Written in the midst of the English Civil War, it concerns the structure of government and society and argues for strong central governance and the rule of an absolute sovereign as the way to avoid civil war and chaos. GradeSaver, 6 October 2006 Web.LibriVox recording of Leviathan, Books I and II, by Thomas Hobbes. Thomas Hobbes Leviathan, from 1651, is one of the first and most influential arguments towards social contract. Next Section Test Yourself! - Quiz 1 Previous Section Related Links Buy Study Guide How To Cite in MLA Format White, Ryan. Why does Hobbes begin his study of the commonwealth with an analysis of man? In what ways does fear play a role in Hobbes' argument? What is the Kingdom of Darkness? What are the ways it is perpetuated, and how does one avoid it? Is he concerned solely with proper Biblical interpretation, or does the Kingdom of God play a role within his larger argument? In what ways is Hobbes' argument against the philosophy of Aristotle? Why does Hobbes believe Aristotle's philosophy is dangerous to a commonwealth?Įxplain Hobbes' ideas on the Kingdom of God. If his thesis about motion is wrong, does his whole argument collapse?
Describe some of the implications of his work on democracy.Įxplain how the concept of motion factors into Hobbes' arguments concerning man and commonwealth. Describe the state of nature in Leviathan, and how it leads to the establishment of a commonwealth.Īlthough Hobbes specifically argued against democracy as a form of government, his theory has had a lasting impact on our contemporary understanding of democracy.
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