Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes ( ; 5 April 1588 – 4 December 1679) was an English philosopher. Hobbes is best known for his 1651 book ''Leviathan'', in which he expounds an influential formulation of social contract theory. He is considered to be one of the founders of modern political philosophy.

Hobbes was born prematurely due to his mother's fear of the Spanish Armada. His early life, overshadowed by his father's departure following a fight, was taken under the care of his wealthy uncle. Hobbes's academic journey began in Westport, leading him to Oxford University, where he was exposed to classical literature and mathematics. He then graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1608. He became a tutor to the Cavendish family, which connected him to intellectual circles and initiated his extensive travels across Europe. These experiences, including meetings with key figures like Galileo, shaped his intellectual development.

After returning to England from France in 1641, Hobbes witnessed the destruction and brutality of the English Civil War from 1642 to 1651 between Parliamentarians and Royalists, which heavily influenced his advocacy for governance by an absolute sovereign in ''Leviathan'', as the solution to human conflict and societal breakdown. Aside from social contract theory, ''Leviathan'' also popularized ideas such as the state of nature ("war of all against all") and laws of nature. His other major works include the trilogy ''De Cive'' (1642), ''De Corpore'' (1655), as well as the posthumous work ''Behemoth'' (1681).

Hobbes contributed to a diverse array of fields, including history, jurisprudence, geometry, optics, theology, classical translations, ethics, as well as philosophy in general, marking him as a polymath. Despite controversies and challenges, including accusations of atheism and contentious debates with contemporaries, Hobbes's work profoundly influenced the understanding of political structure and human nature. Provided by Wikipedia
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  1. 1
    by Hobbes, Thomas, 1588-1679
    Published 1971
    Paris : Sirey, 1971.
    1 online resource (xxxv, 780 p., [2] leaves of plates) : facsim., fold. chart.
    Center for Research Libraries
    Online Resource
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  2. 2
    by Hobbes, Thomas, 1588-1679
    Published 1971
    Paris : Sirey, 1971.
    xxxv, 780 p., [2] leaves of plates : facsim., fold. chart ; 24 cm.
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  3. 3
    by Hobbes, Thomas, 1588-1679
    Published 1680
    [London] : [publisher not identified], [1680]
    1 sheet ([1] pages) : portrait.
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  4. 4
    by D'Avenant, William, 1606-1668
    Published 1651
    London : Printed by Tho. Newcomb for John Holden, and are to be sold at his shop ..., 1651.
    [2], 88, [4], 344, [6] pages.
    Other Authors: “...Hobbes, Thomas, 1588-1679...”
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  5. 5
    by D'Avenant, William, 1606-1668
    Published 1650
    A Paris : Chez Matthieu Guillemot ..., 1650.
    [2], 164 pages.
    Other Authors: “...Hobbes, Thomas, 1588-1679...”
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  6. 6
    by Schutz, Ludwig Harald, 1873-
    Published 1901
    Hagen i.W., Bald & Krüger, 1901.
    xii, 121 p. 23 cm.
    Other Authors: “...Hobbes, Thomas, 1588-1679...”
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