Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
"Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes is a philosophical treatise written in the mid-17th century. The book explores the structure of society and legitimate government and creates an objective science of morality. Hobbes argues for a strong central authority to avoid chaos and civil war, emphasizing the social contract and the necessity of a sovereign power to maintain order and protect citizens. The opening of "Leviathan" sets the stage for Hobbes' exploration of human
nature and the foundations of society. He begins by discussing the concept of an artificial man, the Common-wealth, likening it to a great Leviathan created through social contracts among individuals. Hobbes emphasizes the importance of understanding human desires, fears, and the underlying motivations that drive individuals to form societies, laying the foundation for his arguments about governance, civil order, and the relationship between individuals and authority. Through a direct and analytical style, Hobbes invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human motivations and their impact on societal structures. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Hobbes, Thomas, 1588-1679 |
|---|---|
| Title | Leviathan |
| Note | Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviathan_(Hobbes_book) |
| Note | Reading ease score: 49.6 (College-level). Difficult to read. |
| Credits | Edward White and David Widger |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | JC: Political science: Political theory |
| Subject | Political science -- Early works to 1800 |
| Subject | State, The -- Early works to 1800 |
| Category | Text |
| EBook-No. | 3207 |
| Release Date | May 1, 2002 |
| Most Recently Updated | Dec 12, 2024 |
| Copyright Status | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 20573 downloads in the last 30 days. |
| Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free! | |
