Leviathan
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Leviathan
The renowned work by the English political philosopher examines the structure of society and legitimate government, arguing for a social contract and rule by an absolute sovereign.
This new Penguin Classics edition has a fully revised text and a major new introduction by Christopher Brooke.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionOne of the great masterpieces of 17th-century English prose, Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes is a profound and influential work that delves into the nature of human society and the necessity of a strong central authority. Hobbes presents a compelling social contract theory, wherein individuals collectively agree to surrender some freedoms to a sovereign power in exchange for security and order. This philosophical exploration of human nature and governmental structure is both timeless and highly relevant to contemporary political discourse.
Thomas Hobbes lived through the Thirty Years War and Britain's civil wars, experiences that deeply influenced his perspective on human nature and governance. He observed the chaos and destruction wrought by these conflicts, which led him to ponder how humanity could rescue itself from what he termed the "natural state" of existence. In this state, life is "poor, nasty, brutish, and short," necessitating a powerful and unifying political authority to prevent societal collapse and ensure safety and stability.
Since its publication, Leviathan has been both vilified and celebrated. Initially condemned and publicly burnt for sedition, the book has nevertheless captivated readers for centuries with its radical ideas and eloquent prose. Hobbes' work challenged existing paradigms and contributed to dragging Europe out of medieval political thought into a new era—an era that still resonates in today's political and philosophical landscapes.
One of the remarkable aspects of Leviathan is its ability to engage readers in a dialogue about the nature of power, authority, and individual freedom. It remains a pivotal text in the study of political philosophy, raising questions about the limits of state power and the rights of individuals which continue to be debated to this day.
Complete with a major new introduction, this edition of Leviathan provides valuable insights into Hobbes’ incisive thought process and the historical context that shaped his theories. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the development of political theory and the enduring struggle to balance liberty and order in human societies.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes is often praised for its profound philosophical insights and foundational concepts in political theory. Readers appreciate its in-depth analysis of human nature and social contract theory. Some find the language dense and challenging, but overall, the book is regarded as a critical and influential work in Western philosophy.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141395098
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 July 2017
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Edited by Christopher Brooke
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 29.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 468g
Pages: 688
About the Author
Thomas Hobbes (Author) Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher. Born in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, he studied at Oxford and spent most of his life employed by the aristocratic Cavendish family. His publications included a translation of Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War (1629); a comprehensive philosophical system set out in his trilogy, De Corpore (1655), De Homine (1658), and De Cive (1642); and the major statement of his political theory, Leviathan (1651). He died at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire.' Christopher Brooke (External Editor) Christopher Brooke is a lecturer at Cambridge University in the Department of Politics and International Studies, and author of Philosophic Pride- Stoicism and Political Thought from Lipsius to Rousseau (2012).
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