Thomas Hobbes

EnglishApril 5, 1588 – December 4, 1679Philosophy

English philosopher whose Leviathan is the founding text of modern political philosophy. His stark analysis of human nature as fundamentally self-interested led to his argument for absolute sovereignty as the only alternative to the 'war of all against all.' He was among the first to apply scientific method to the study of society.

Works

LeviathanPolitical philosophy arguing sovereignty requires absolute power to prevent chaos
De CiveEarly systematic exposition of Hobbes's political theory and human nature
The Elements of LawFoundational work on human nature, law, and civil commonwealth
De CorporeSystematic account of matter, motion, and physical nature of reality
BehemothDialogue on English Civil War causes and constitutional political conflicts