Leviathan
Definition
"Leviathan" is a book written by Thomas Hobbes published in 1651. It argues for a social contract and rule by an absolute sovereign. The title comes from the biblical sea monster used as a metaphor for the state's vast and frightening power.
Analogy
Imagine "Leviathan" as an instruction manual for building an indestructible fortress (the state). It tells you why it's necessary (to avoid chaos), what materials you need (power given up by people), how to build it (through social contracts), and who should be in charge once it's built (an absolute ruler).
Related terms
State of Nature: In political theory, this term refers to life before societies were formed or before laws were established. According to Hobbes, the state of nature is a "war of all against all," where human beings constantly seek to destroy each other in an incessant pursuit for power.
Monarchy: A form of government with a monarch at the head. In "Leviathan", Hobbes argues that monarchy is the best form of government.
Civil Society: The collective body of citizens or individuals who are bound by common laws and exist apart from any hierarchical ruling body. In "Leviathan", Hobbes discusses how civil society arises out of the need to escape from the brutal state of nature.
"Leviathan" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (17)
- Which figure argued for the consolidation of sovereign power into a single ruler in their work "Leviathan"?
- Who was an influential figure known for his work titled "The Leviathan," which argued for a strong central authority?
- Which philosopher wrote "Leviathan" that became widely known due to the spread of printed materials?
- "Leviathan", a foundational text in Western political philosophy, was authored by whom?
- Who penned the influential work "Leviathan," which outlined the social contract theory during the height of political instability in England?
- Who is responsible for writing "Leviathan", a primary source referred to during discussions of the English Civil War?
- What differentiated Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan" from John Locke's "Two Treatises" regarding human nature and governance?
- Who wrote the treatise, "Leviathan," which influenced economic theories about governance?
- Who is the author of "Leviathan," a theoretical defense for absolute monarchial authority?
- What audience did Thomas Hobbes primarily target with his social contract theories expressed in "Leviathan"?
- What was the long-term implication of Hobbes's social contract theory as outlined in his work "Leviathan"?
- How does Thomas Hobbes's work "Leviathan" reflect its historical situation during the English Civil War?
- What does Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan suggest about his view on human nature?
- How did Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan," advocating absolute monarchy based on social contract theory, influence political thought?
- Which theory was central to Thomas Hobbes' view on government as expressed in "Leviathan"?
- Why might Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan have been less influential among democratic thinkers?
- Who penned 'Leviathan,' discussing social contract theory during this timeframe?
Resources
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