Social contract theory · mechanical philosophy · 1588–1679
Thomas Hobbes
Peace is not given by nature: it has to be built by covenant.
Malmesbury · Paris · Chatsworth
Reading guides
A thread to guide your reading.
Original introductions to enter the works, discover their central questions and take the reflection further.
A place to begin
From war to covenant
Follow the argument of Leviathan from the natural condition of mankind to the authorization of a sovereign, and look for the point where the subject’s obligation ends.
LeviathanGoing further
Wolves, gods and citizens
Read De Cive as the first political system Hobbes published, from the laws of nature to the place of religion in a commonwealth.
On the Citizen (De Cive)Going further
Passions, reason and the body politic
See how The Elements of Law builds a political argument on an analysis of the passions and on the hope of a science of justice.
The Elements of Law, Natural and PoliticContinue