Thomas Hobbes
Definition
Thomas Hobbes was a 17th-century English philosopher who is best known 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.
Analogy
Think of Thomas Hobbes as a strict school principal who believes that students need strong rules and discipline to prevent chaos. He thinks that without these, there would be 'war of all against all', just like he believed society would be without a strong central authority.
Related terms
Social Contract Theory: This is a philosophical concept that individuals implicitly agree to form a state that will provide order and enforce rules, giving up some freedoms in exchange for protection.
Sovereignty: The supreme power or authority in a state, which Hobbes argued should be undivided and absolute to maintain peace and prevent civil war.
Absolutism: A political doctrine asserting that in an ideal government, the monarch holds absolute power and control over his or her kingdom. This aligns with Hobbes' belief in the necessity of an absolute sovereign.
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Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (11)
- To what extent is Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan" an intellectual product influenced by developments during this era?
- What was the historical situation that might have limited the influence of Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan"?
- What audience did Thomas Hobbes primarily target with his social contract theories expressed in "Leviathan"?
- How does Thomas Hobbes's work "Leviathan" reflect its historical situation during the English Civil War?
- In contrast to Thomas Hobbes' concept of absolutism, which philosopher proposed a social contract with shared power between governance and people?
- What was the primary purpose of Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan" during the 18th century?
- 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?
- What was the primary belief of Thomas Hobbes regarding human nature and governance?
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