Leviathan – Thomas Hobbes

1. Full Citation

Hobbes, T. (1651) Leviathan, edited by C.B. Macpherson (1968). Harmondsworth: Penguin Classics.

2. Introduction

Leviathan is a foundational text in political philosophy that argues for the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent societal chaos. Thomas Hobbes develops his social contract theory, positing the state as the solution to the natural condition of war “of every man against every man.”

3. Author Background and Credentials

Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) was an English philosopher and political theorist, often regarded as one of the founders of modern political philosophy.

4. Summary of Contents

Key themes include:

  1. State of Nature
    • Life without political authority as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
  2. Social Contract
    • Agreement to form a commonwealth for peace and security.
  3. Sovereignty and Authority
    • Absolute power vested in the sovereign.
  4. Law and Justice
    • Established by the sovereign for societal order.
  5. Religion and Politics
    • Separation and control of religious influence.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

Systematic and rigorous argument for political order.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

Pioneered social contract and modern political realism.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Philosophical reasoning grounded in human nature analysis.

d. Style and Accessibility

Dense 17th-century prose; challenging but influential.

e. Limitations and Critiques

Criticised for authoritarianism and absolutism.

6. Comparative Context

Compared with:

  • John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government – Liberal contract theory
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s The Social Contract – Popular sovereignty
  • Machiavelli’s The Prince – Political realism

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

Relevant to:

  • Political philosophy
  • Social contract theory
  • Sovereignty and governance
  • Philosophy of law

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Provides a framework for understanding state authority and legitimacy.

9. Conclusion

Leviathan remains a cornerstone of political thought on authority and social order.

Recommended for: Political theorists, philosophers, legal scholars, and historians.

10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • De Cive
  • Elements of Law
  • Behemoth

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • John Locke – Two Treatises of Government
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau – The Social Contract
  • Niccolò Machiavelli – The Prince

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Hobbes, T. (1651) Leviathan
  • Locke, J. (1689) Two Treatises of Government
  • Rousseau, J.-J. (1762) The Social Contract
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