Like Plato's Republic, this book contains ideas on psychology, ethics, law, language, and religion that continue to challenge modern thinkers and exercise a profound influence on Western thought. Addressing free will and religion, Hobbes constructs an intelligent argument for the basis of religion within government and how to organize a peaceful and successful Christian commonwealth. In his timeless work, Hobbes outlines his ideas about the passions and the conduct of man, and how his theories are realized in every individual. One of the earliest attempts at a genuinely scientific understanding of politics and society in their modern form, this book also remains one of the most stimulating. Even today, Hobbes's thesis in Leviathan is debated among scholars and philosophy aficionados around the globe. To Hobbes, the leviathan - a mythical sea creature described in the Old Testament - represented his central thesis: that the state must be strong in order to control and protect its citizens. More than four centuries old, this brilliant yet ruthless book analyzes not only the bases of government but also physical nature and the roles of man.Ĭomparable to Plato's Republic in depth and insight, Leviathan includes two society-changing phenomena that Plato didn't dare to dream of - the rise of great nation-states with their claims to absolute sovereignty, and modern science, with its unprecedented analytic power. In 1651, Hobbes published his work about the relationship between the government and the individual. GradeSaver, 6 October 2006 Web.A cornerstone of modern western philosophy, addressing the role of man in government, society and religion 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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