It can be quite a difficult read considering how long ago it was written and the need to constantly reference the whole historical context. A strong ruling hand to combat the chaos and brutality of human nature (which at that point in time manifested in the Civil War). Despite all its flaws, he considers it a necessary form of government over human society. The author, English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, argues for the benefits of sovereign rule. This makes the question of the state of nature Hobbes raises a natural reflection of its time. It is important to understand that the backdrop for the Leviathan book was the English Civil war. In its essence, the book Leviathan is one of the first pieces that covered the questions of societal contract and forms of power. So in order to save some time, it’s more commonly referred to as just “Leviathan.” Sounds pretty impressive, doesn’t it? But it can be quite a mouthful. The full name of the book is Leviathan or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Commonwealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil.
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