Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher 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.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Leviathan

    or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Common-Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil

    "Leviathan" is a seminal work of political philosophy that presents an argument for a social contract and rule by an absolute sovereign. The author argues that civil peace and social unity are best achieved by the establishment of a commonwealth through social contract. He suggests that without a strong, central authority to impose law and order, society would descend into a state of nature, characterized by perpetual war and chaos. The book is divided into four parts: Of Man, Of Commonwealth, Of a Christian Commonwealth, and Of the Kingdom of Darkness.

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  2. 2. Human Nature And De Corpore Politico

    The Elements of Law, Natural and Politic

    This work delves into the intricacies of human behavior and the foundational principles of political society. It explores the natural state of mankind, characterized by a perpetual quest for power and self-preservation, leading to inevitable conflict. The text argues for the necessity of a structured political system to maintain order and peace, advocating for a social contract where individuals relinquish certain freedoms in exchange for security and governance. Through a detailed examination of human nature and societal structures, it underscores the importance of a sovereign authority to curb the chaos inherent in human interactions.

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  3. 3. Khost

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  4. 4. Despre Om și Societate

    Examining human perception, language, and the passions through a mechanistic lens, this work argues that self-preservation and fear of violent death drive action and conflict. From this account it derives a social contract: to escape the anarchic state of nature, individuals authorize an undivided sovereign to make law, adjudicate disputes, and govern religion. The result is a defense of centralized authority as the condition for peace, security, and civil order.