Essay about Thomas Hobbes

Submitted By shaqueralemarraa

Words: 346

Pages: 2

Open Document

Thomas Hobbes (1588 1679) and John Locke (1632 1704) developed their political theories at a time of religious, political and social upheaval in England. They were archetypal enlightenment figures well acquainted with the scientific and philosophical concerns of their time. Hobbes was classically educated but later in life became interested scientific thought and metaphysics. Locke was a physician and a member of the Royal Society. They shared the enlightenment view of the world. For them God was the first cause but their scientific understanding of cause and effect shaped their view, not just of physical objects in the natural world and how they interacted but also of individuals and how they interacted in society. Hobbes published Leviathan, or the Matter, Form and Power of a Commonwealth, Ecclesiastical and Civil in 1651, writing that his book was “occasioned by the disorders of the present time.” (leviathan). Locke published Two Treaties of Government in 1690 “to justify” (TToG) the struggle of 1640 1660 and the revolution of 1688. It was a time a great political turmoil. The certainty and stability that had been provided by the divine authority of the monarch had been removed. With the removal of government legitimised by the church and by God a return to stability required the creation of new certainties. Hobbes and Locke were both making social, political and religious statements as a result of the Puritan uprising and civil war. More importantly they were intending

Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes was born at Westport, now part of Malmesbury in Wiltshire, England, on 5 April 1588.[5] Born prematurely when his mother heard of the coming invasion of the Spanish Armada, Hobbes later reported that "my mother gave birth to twins: myself and fear."[5] His childhood is almost a complete blank, and his mother's name is unknown.[6] His father, also named Thomas, was the vicar of Charlton and Westport. Thomas Hobbes Sr. had an older brother, Francis Hobbes, who was a wealthy merchant with…

Words 575 - Pages 3

Thomas Hobbes And The Enlightenment

John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Immanuel Kant, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, David Hume, and Voltaire began to vocalize their opinions with the support of science and reason, the common theme from the enlightenment. Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher is considered the first major enlightenment figure in England, by causing great controversy with the release of his confrontational treaties Leviathan (1651). Hobbes is also considered one of the founders of modern political philosophy. Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan…

Words 344 - Pages 2

Thomas Vs Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes’s dilemma of the state of nature is that of a society of no government, no police, no courts, no laws, and no central authority. if humans were left to themselves without government, Hobbes claims, then life would be horrible, nasty and brutish. Hobbes implies that human beings are essentially selfish and without government human beings would hurt and kill each other without hesitation. According to Hobbes, people agree to be moral and not to hurt others only if they negotiate with…

Words 791 - Pages 4

Thomas Hobbes Essay

define human nature as there are humans, and none could possibly be farther apart than the interpretations articulated by John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes may be pigeon-holed as a pessimist, while others just see him as a realist. He believed that people are not guided by reason, but instead are guided by our innate primal, animalistic instincts. According to Hobbes, without proper government men would be running rampantly through the streets, getting drunk and fighting everyone in sight. Locke…

Words 307 - Pages 2

Thomas Hobbes Debate

of the people and the rights of the government, British philosophers of the 15th and 16th century obsessed over the structure of government. Arguing for absolutism, Thomas Hobbes devised the idea of the social contract that is unbreakable for the “life of man is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short” without a king. Therefore, Hobbes implies humanity’s self-destructive nature will lead to ruin if they do not blindly follow a king with divine right. Yet, John Locke, the inspiration for “life, liberty…

Words 1132 - Pages 5

Thomas Hobbes Enlightenment Analysis

These two quotes are more similar than black and white, yet the meaning behind such intricate words truly speak to the listener and allow them to understand the meaning behind the curtain. Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, two Enlightenment thinkers, had different ideas about the true nature of the mysterious and unknown creature that is human. They both had explicitly different points of views on the how the world worked, yet they were more similar than anybody came to think. Their thoughts and ideas…

Words 909 - Pages 4

Thomas Hobbes Research Paper

superior to everyone else. An intelligent man Thomas Hobbes believe that the world should be ruled by an absolute monarchy because that one person represents the equality of the people, the selfishness of others and, the common interest among men. First is equality, the one thing that people long for. In a world where everyone is equal may sound great, but in actuality where there is no one to take on leadership, could lead to many problems. Thomas Hobbes believe that there is always someone that shall…

Words 236 - Pages 1

Thomas Hobbes Research Paper

English philosopher, scientist and historian Thomas Hobbes, born in Malmsbury, England in 1588 is best known for his political thought. Hobbes gained a reputation in multiple fields, however it is due to his notorious writings on morality and politics that he is remembered. He forms exceptional personal and intellectual connections and holds an original vision of the world which establishes a concern over social and political order. The ideas on morality and politics were greatly influenced by two…

Words 541 - Pages 3

Thomas Hobbes Research Paper

Thomas Hobbes was a man of many thing during his lifetime. Being an exile in france, and tutor to the Prince of Wales Charles II, but he was mostly known for being a philosopher. He had two main theories that, even today are discussed. Thomas Hobbes based his beliefs around two main theories, the first that the natural world is a terrible place to live, and the second that the government in any forms should not be questioned unless a under certain circumstances. Hobbes had an interesting life that…

Words 585 - Pages 3

History Paper Thomas Hobbes

Adesola Bilesanmi Saginaw Valley State University History 100 Philosopher: Thomas Hobbes Thomas Hobbes was not born to power or wealth or influence, he was known as the son of a disgraced village vicar. Hobbes was lucky that his uncle was wealthy enough to provide for his education and that his intellectual talents were soon recognized and developed. Those intellectual abilities, and his uncle’s support, brought him a place in university of Oxford. And these in turn – together with a good deal…

Words 777 - Pages 4