Births on April 5

Thomas Hobbes, English philosopher (d. 1679)

Thomas Hobbes (pronounced HOBZ), sometimes affectionately known as Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, was a towering figure in 17th-century English intellectual life. Born on April 5, 1588, and living until December 4, 1679, his extensive lifespan witnessed profound political and social upheaval, particularly the English Civil War, which deeply influenced his philosophical outlook. He is widely celebrated as one of the principal architects of modern political philosophy, whose foundational ideas continue to resonate in contemporary thought.

The Enduring Legacy of Leviathan and Political Philosophy

Hobbes's most famous and enduring work, published in 1651, is undoubtedly Leviathan, or The Matter, Forme, & Power of a Common-Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil. This seminal book laid out a powerful and, at the time, controversial formulation of social contract theory. In Leviathan, Hobbes grappled with fundamental questions concerning human nature, the necessity of government, and the source of political authority. He famously posited that in a "state of nature"—a life without government—human existence would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short," a perpetual "war of all against all." To escape this perilous state, individuals rationally agree to surrender some of their freedoms to an absolute sovereign power, which then ensures peace and order. This concept of the social contract, where legitimacy stems from the consent of the governed, albeit in a specific and absolute form, marked a radical departure from traditional divine right theories and profoundly shaped subsequent political discourse.

A Polymath's Reach: Hobbes's Broader Contributions

While his political philosophy often takes center stage, Hobbes was a true polymath whose intellectual curiosity spanned a remarkable range of disciplines. His contributions extended far beyond the realm of governance and ethics. He delved into history, examining the narratives of human societies and their evolution. His work in jurisprudence explored the philosophy of law and its enforcement. He was also a keen student of geometry, applying its rigorous logical methods to his philosophical arguments. Furthermore, Hobbes engaged with the emerging scientific understanding of his time, contributing to the physics of gases and demonstrating a mechanistic view of the natural world. His philosophical explorations also encompassed theology, where he sought to reconcile religious belief with reason, and ethics, examining the principles of moral conduct. Indeed, his influence permeated philosophy in general, as he championed a systematic and rational approach to understanding the world, laying groundwork for future empiricist and rationalist traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thomas Hobbes

What is Thomas Hobbes best known for?

Thomas Hobbes is primarily renowned for his profound contributions to political philosophy, particularly his seminal 1651 book, Leviathan, which introduced an influential formulation of social contract theory.

What is social contract theory according to Hobbes?

According to Hobbes, social contract theory proposes that individuals in a "state of nature" (a life without government) would exist in a condition of perpetual conflict. To escape this, people rationally agree to give up some of their individual liberties to an absolute sovereign power in exchange for peace, security, and the maintenance of order.

What other fields did Hobbes contribute to?

Beyond political philosophy, Hobbes was a polymath who made significant contributions to a diverse array of fields, including history, jurisprudence (the philosophy of law), geometry, the physics of gases, theology, and ethics, as well as general philosophy.

When did Thomas Hobbes live?

Thomas Hobbes lived from April 5, 1588, until December 4, 1679, a period spanning much of the 17th century and marked by significant historical events such as the English Civil War.

Why is Leviathan so significant?

Leviathan is significant because it presented a revolutionary concept of political legitimacy based on the consent of the governed (the social contract) rather than divine right. Its ideas about the state of nature, human motivation, and the necessity of a strong, centralized government profoundly influenced subsequent Western political thought and remain central to discussions of state power and individual rights.