Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes ( ; 5 April 1588 – 4 December 1679) was an English philosopher. Hobbes is best known for his 1651 book ''Leviathan'', in which he expounds an influential formulation of social contract theory. He is considered to be one of the founders of modern political philosophy.

Hobbes was born prematurely due to his mother's fear of the Spanish Armada. His early life, overshadowed by his father's departure following a fight, was taken under the care of his wealthy uncle. Hobbes's academic journey began in Westport, leading him to Oxford University, where he was exposed to classical literature and mathematics. He then graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1608. He became a tutor to the Cavendish family, which connected him to intellectual circles and initiated his extensive travels across Europe. These experiences, including meetings with figures like Galileo, shaped his intellectual development.

After returning to England from France in 1641, Hobbes witnessed the destruction and brutality of the English Civil War from 1642 to 1651 between Parliamentarians and Royalists, which heavily influenced his advocacy for governance by an absolute sovereign in ''Leviathan'', as the solution to human conflict and societal breakdown. Aside from social contract theory, ''Leviathan'' also popularized ideas such as the state of nature ("war of all against all") and laws of nature. His other major works include the trilogy ''De Cive'' (1642), ''De Corpore'' (1655), and ''De Homine'' (1658) as well as the posthumous work ''Behemoth'' (1681).

Hobbes contributed to a diverse array of fields, including history, jurisprudence, geometry, optics, theology, classical translations, ethics, as well as philosophy in general, marking him as a polymath. Despite controversies and challenges, including accusations of atheism and contentious debates with contemporaries, Hobbes's work profoundly influenced the understanding of political structure and human nature. Provided by Wikipedia

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by Hobbes, Thomas
Published 1839
J. Bohn

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by Hobbes, Thomas
Published 1889
Simpkin, Marshall

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by Hobbes, Thomas
Published 1647
Apud Ludovicum Elzevirium

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by Hobbes, Thomas
Published 1839
J. Bohn

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by Hobbes, Thomas
BiblioBytes

10
by Hobbes, Thomas
Published 2017
Cambridge University Press
Other Authors: ...Hobbes, Thomas...

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by Hobbes, Thomas
Published 1710
printed, and are to be sold by Robert Mawson, at the Bible and Star, in Ave-Mary-Lane, near Pater-Noster-Row

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by Kersting, Wolfgang
Published 2008
Akademie Verlag
Other Authors: ...Hobbes, Thomas...

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by Thucydides
Published 1723
printed by B. Motte; for D. Brown without Temple-Bar: D. Midwinter in St. Paul's - Church - Yard: B. Lintott in Fleet-Street: W. Taylor in Pater-Noster-Row: and W. and J. Innys and B. Cowse in St. Paul's-Church-Yard
Other Authors: ...Hobbes, Thomas...