What Books Did Thomas Hobbes Write?

Thomas Hobbes was an influential philosopher of the 17th century, whose works profoundly shaped modern political theory and have left a lasting impact on Western thought. While he is perhaps best known for his magnum opus, “Leviathan,” which presents his ideas on the social contract and the state of nature, there were other important works that contributed to his philosophical corpus.

Early Works: “De Corpore” and “De Homine”

Hobbes’s early works include “De Corpore” (On Body) and “De Homine” (On Man), both written in Latin and published posthumously. In these works, Hobbes explored the nature of physical reality and human beings, respectively. “De Corpore” delves into the composition of matter, its properties, and motion, while “De Homine” discusses the origin, nature, and purpose of human life. These foundational texts laid the groundwork for Hobbes’s later more political works.

Political Theorist: “The Leviathan”

Perhaps Hobbes’s most famous work, “Leviathan,” published in 1651, is a treatise on political philosophy that explores the conditions necessary for peace and stability in society. In this book, Hobbes argues that without a strong central authority, human beings would revert to a state of war of all against all, a condition he famously termed the “state of nature.” He advocates for a powerful sovereign who can maintain order and prevent chaos.

Key Ideas in “Leviathan”

• Social Contract: Hobbes posits that individuals consent to give up some of their freedoms in exchange for protection from the sovereign.
• Absolute Sovereignty: The sovereign must be absolute, possessing unlimited power over the subjects.
• Natural Equality: All humans are naturally equal, but the presence of a sovereign elevates the ruler above the ruled.
• Despotic Government: Hobbes views despotic government as the only form that can ensure peace and security.

Later Works: “The Cogitator” and “The Elements of Law”

In addition to “Leviathan,” Hobbes wrote several other significant works that expanded upon his earlier ideas. “The Cogitator” (written in 1640) and “The Elements of Law” (published posthumously in 1651) delve further into the nature of human cognition and legal systems.

“The Cogitator”

In “The Cogitator,” Hobbes examines the workings of the human mind, arguing that the primary function of the brain is to process sensory information and produce thoughts. He also discusses the nature of memory, imagination, and the emotions, suggesting that they are all products of the mind’s cognitive processes.

“The Elements of Law”

“The Elements of Law” provides a detailed analysis of Hobbes’s views on law and governance. He distinguishes between natural law, which is universal and eternal, and positive law, which is created by human beings and may vary from place to place. Hobbes argues that a just law must be derived from natural law and must be capable of being universally applied.

Other Works and Legacy

Throughout his career, Hobbes wrote numerous essays and tracts on various topics, including religion, ethics, and politics. Some of his lesser-known works include “De Dominio” (On Dominion), “De Corpore Politico” (On the Body Politic), and “De Motu” (On Motion). Despite not achieving widespread fame during his lifetime, Hobbes’s ideas continue to influence contemporary political thought and remain relevant today.

Conclusion

Thomas Hobbes’s body of work is vast and varied, encompassing a wide range of philosophical inquiries. From his early explorations of the physical world to his later reflections on the nature of human cognition and governance, Hobbes’s contributions to political theory and ethics have had a profound impact on Western thought. His most enduring legacy, however, lies in his development of the social contract theory, which continues to shape debates about the role of government and the balance between individual rights and collective well-being.

相关问答

1. What other works did Thomas Hobbes write besides “Leviathan”?

   • Hobbes wrote several other important works such as “De Corpore” (On Body), “De Homine” (On Man), “The Cogitator,” “The Elements of Law,” and “De Dominio” (On Dominion).

2. What is the main argument of “Leviathan”?

   • In “Leviathan,” Hobbes argues that without a strong central authority, humans would revert to a state of war of all against all. He advocates for an absolute sovereign to maintain order and prevent chaos.

3. What does Hobbes mean by “natural equality”?

   • Hobbes suggests that all humans are naturally equal in terms of their basic capacities and potential. However, the presence of a sovereign elevates the ruler above the ruled, giving the sovereign unique authority.

4. How does Hobbes view the relationship between natural law and positive law?

   • Hobbes distinguishes between natural law, which is universal and eternal, and positive law, which is created by human beings and may vary from place to place. He argues that a just law must be derived from natural law and be capable of being universally applied.