Thomas Hobbes Libros

Exploring the evolution of political thought, this collection includes foundational texts that shaped modern governance. It begins with Hobbes' view of the necessity of a strong central authority, followed by Locke's arguments for natural rights and government by consent. Rousseau's work introduces the concept of collective will and social agreements, while the Constitution of Pennsylvania exemplifies practical application of these theories in establishing a democratic framework. Together, these works highlight the transition from absolute rule to democratic principles.

The correspondence of Thomas Hobbes, a pivotal figure in European thought, is presented in this comprehensive edition, offering a fresh perspective on his intellectual contributions. Each letter is accompanied by detailed explanatory notes, along with extensive biographical and bibliographical information. This landmark publication enhances understanding of Hobbes's life and ideas, reflecting the growing interest in his work and the context in which he wrote.

"The first volume contains the editorial introduction and the second and third volumes contain the texts, with annotations." from back cover.

Ferdinand Tonnies presents two works by Thomas Hobbes, highlighting "The Elements of Law," Hobbes's inaugural systematic political treatise completed in 1640. This foundational text offers insight into Hobbes's philosophical development, serving as a precursor to his later political theories. It explores the intricacies of his thought process and lays the groundwork for understanding his contributions to political philosophy.

Thomas Hobbes, the royalist, is above all famous for his 'social contract theory', the appeal to the agreement that would be made among rational, free, and equal persons. His conclusion - that we should submit to the authority of an absolute and unlimited sovereign power - may not have found many followers, but his analysis remains unchallenged. John Locke, by contrast, was a parliamentarian. He argued that sovereignity resides with the people, and that the state is supreme only when bound by civil and natural law. It follows that revolution is not only a right, but sometimes an obligation. He was a strong supporter of religious freedom, and of a system of checks and balances in government. Many of his ideas were later embodied in the US constitution.

Leviathan is both a magnificent literary achievement and the greatest work of political philosophy in the English language. Permanently challenging, it has found new applications and new refutations in every generation. Hobbes argues that human beings are first and foremost concerned with their own individual desires and fears. He shows that a conflict of each against every man can only be avoided by the adoption of a compact to enforce peace. The compact involves giving up some of our natural freedom to a sovereign power which will enforce the laws of peace on all citizens. Hobbes also analyses the subversive forces - religion, ambition, private conscience - that threaten to destroy the body politic, Leviathan itself, and return us to the state of war. . This new edition reproduces the first printed text, retaining the original punctuation but modernizing the spelling, and incorporating the corrections found in the best copies. It offers exceptionally thorough and useful annotation, and introduction that guides the reader through the complexities of Hobbes's arguments, and a substantial index.

"Thomas Hobbes's essay on the social contract is both a founding text of western thought and a masterpiece of wit and imagination" -Robert McCrum ; The Guardian Leviathan is a book written by Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) and published in 1651. Its name derives from the biblical Leviathan. The work concerns the structure of society and legitimate government, and is regarded as one of the earliest and most influential examples of social contract theory. Leviathan ranks as a classic Western work on statecraft comparable to Machiavelli's The Prince. Written during the English Civil War (1642-1651), Leviathan argues for a social contract and rule by an absolute sovereign. Hobbes wrote that civil war and the brute situation of a state of nature ("the war of all against all") could only be avoided by strong, undivided government. A True Classic for All Lovers of Political Philosophy!

"The first volume contains the editorial introduction and the second and third volumes contain the texts, with annotations." from back cover.