Leviathan: Or the Matter, Forme, and Power of a Commonwealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil - Softcover

Hobbes, Thomas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1416573607 ISBN 13: 9781416573609

Publisher: Atria Books, 2008

Synopsis

A cornerstone of modern western philosophy, addressing the role of man in government, society and religion In 1651, Hobbes published his work about the relationship between the government and the individual. More than four centuries old, this brilliant yet ruthless book analyzes not only the bases of government but also physical nature and the roles of man. Comparable to Plato's Republic in depth and insight, Leviathan includes two society-changing phenomena that Plato didn't dare to dream of - the rise of great nation-states with their claims to absolute sovereignty, and modern science, with its unprecedented analytic power. To Hobbes, the leviathan - a mythical sea creature described in the Old Testament - represented his central thesis: that the state must be strong in order to control and protect its citizens. Even today, Hobbes's thesis in Leviathan is debated among scholars and philosophy aficionados around the globe. One of the earliest attempts at a genuinely scientific understanding of politics and society in their modern form, this book also remains one of the most stimulating. In his timeless work, Hobbes outlines his ideas about the passions and the conduct of man, and how his theories are realized in every individual. Addressing free will and religion, Hobbes constructs an intelligent argument for the basis of religion within government and how to organize a peaceful and successful Christian commonwealth. Like Plato's Republic, this book contains ideas on psychology, ethics, law, language, and religion that continue to challenge modern thinkers and exercise a profound influence on Western thought. A classic treatise of philosophy, Leviathan is critical reading for anyone who wishes to examine the human mind through the prisms of government and society.

About this title

Book Description:

Hobbes' Leviathan is arguably the greatest piece of political philosophy written in the English language. Richard Tuck's edition has been recognized as the single most accurate and authoritative text since its publication. This revised edition includes a much-amplified and expanded introduction.

From the Publisher:

Library of Liberal Arts title.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atria Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1416573607
• ISBN 13: 9781416573609
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 576