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Cover of The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11)

The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11)

Written by Thomas Hobbes

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Philosophy, English

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About this book

"The English Works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11)" by Hobbes is a philosophical treatise written in the mid-17th century. This volume is particularly focused on Hobbes' seminal work "Leviathan," which explores the structure of society and legitimate government, as well as the moral and political implications of human nature. The primary topic of this work is the nature of human beings and their interactions within a commonwealth, embodying Hobbes' views on social contract theory and the necessity of a central authority for societal stability. The opening of this volume introduces the overall themes and concerns of Hobbes' philosophy, discussing the comparison between natural human beings and an artificial construct he refers to as the "Leviathan," or Commonwealth. It emphasizes that just as God created life, humans likewise create an artificial man through the institution of government, which serves to maintain order and protect individuals from chaos. Hobbes lays the groundwork for his ideas on human perception, imagination, and the role of speech in rational discourse, establishing a comprehensive framework for understanding the foundation of socio-political relationships and authority.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11), written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 15 hours
  • advanced
  • Philosophical
  • Analytical
  • Didactic

Thomas Hobbes's "Leviathan," presented in Volume 3 of his English works, is a foundational text in Western political philosophy. It systematically argues for the necessity of a strong, centralized government to prevent society from descending into a "state of nature," which Hobbes famously describes as a "war of all against all." Through a rigorous exploration of human nature, perception, and the role of reason and speech, Hobbes posits that individuals rationally surrender some freedoms to a sovereign power—the "Leviathan"—in exchange for peace and security. This work establishes the principles of social contract theory, advocating for an absolute authority as the only means to maintain societal stability and protect individuals from both external threats and their own inherent self-interest. The volume lays the groundwork for understanding the foundation of socio-political relationships and authority.

“During the time men live without a common Power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called Warre; and such a warre, as is of every man against every man.”

Key themes

Human Nature and Self-Interest
Hobbes meticulously dissects human faculties, arguing that all actions stem from appetites and aversions, with a fundamental drive for self-preservation and avoidance of pain. He posits that humans are inherently equal in physical and mental faculties, leading to competition and diffidence (mistrust) in the absence of external authority. This egoistic view forms the bedrock of his political philosophy.
The State of Nature and the Need for Order
Hobbes presents a grim hypothetical scenario, the "state of nature," where life without government is a perpetual "war of every man against every man." In this state, there is no morality, justice, industry, or culture, and human life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." This terrifying vision serves as the ultimate justification for the creation of an artificial state, demonstrating the absolute necessity of a central authority to impose order and security.
Absolute Sovereignty and the Leviathan
For Hobbes, the sovereign power created by the social contract must be absolute and indivisible. Any division of power, or any right of subjects to resist the sovereign, would inevitably lead to instability and a return to the state of nature. The "Leviathan" represents this all-powerful state, which holds a monopoly on legitimate force and dictates laws, justice, and morality. Its authority is necessary to maintain order and prevent societal collapse.

Worth discussing

Is Hobbes's depiction of the "state of nature" a realistic portrayal of human existence without government, or is it a pessimistic simplification?

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