Hobbes blog post – Correction
To correct a mistake in the post ‘Hobbes makes sense’, Leviathan was first published in 1651 in English (not Latin). The revised Latin edition came out in 1668. Both versions were written by Hobbes. My apologies to anyone who was confused by the error. Thanks to Christina for the correction!
Leviathan and Self Worth
One of the interesting things I found in Leviathan was the discussion on the Power, Worth, Dignity, Honour, and Worthiness of man (in ch. 10). In paragraph 16, Hobbes makes the claim that the worthiness of man is essentially determined by others. While I completely agree with Hobbes, I wonder how many other people would. […]
Leviathan
In reading Hobbes many of the concepts and ideas introduced went over my head for the first 3 times I laboured over the paragraphs. Eventually some of the ideas stuck (definitely not all) and I found myself, regardless of the labour needed to understand Leviathan, liking it, at least more than Plato. The sections I found […]
Hobbes makes sense
…if you take it in little bits at a time. When I first started reading Hobbes, the language (somewhat Shakespearean) kind of put me off, and I just wanted to be done with him. But as I forced myself to read on, I found that Hobbes actually has some very interesting ideas that are coherent; […]
Does Hobbes think we’re evil?
I think that many people may be too quick to label Hobbes as having a pessimistic view of human nature. But, obviously, I do not blame them. Hobbes is pretty explicit in his presentation of humans in the state of nature. He states that “during the time men live without a common power to keep them […]
Leviathan blog post
The leviathan is definitely a risky and ambitious piece of literature, both in and out of its context. The risks Hobbes takes in recording such a definite opinion on human nature and society is substantial, considering the precarious times in which he lived- times when having any sort of strong resolve for much any principle […]
Human Nature in The Leviathan
I found chapter 13 to be the most interesting chapter in The Leviathan. In chapter 13, Hobbes describes what he believes to be human beings’ natural state. He sees the natural state as one of war, violence, and selfishness. I agree that human nature is determined by the physical nature of humans. I believe that […]
The Hobbeses
Years ago when I was much younger and finally had access to the internet I googled “Calvin and Hobbes.” This was a desperate measure then, as I’d not acquired the habit of googling all my life’s problems and looking for the answers/seeking solace in anonymous strangers; and this desperation was due to a drought in […]
Hobbes “Of Man”
(I shall summoneth my unguided train of thoughts on Hobbes, which is likely to be, according to, well, Hobbes, disharmonious and lacking consistency and pertinence.) From my understanding, what Hobbes is trying to say is that humans are utterly selfish beings who would do anything for self-preservation. This egocentricity, apparently, stems from our nature. Perhaps […]
When in doubt… Hobbes.
Is your realm in chaos? Yes, then I have some news for you! Maybe this testimonial is familiar: being “Locke’d” to a bad contract or fallen to a Rous-seau that it serve the general will no matter the form of your affliction, our good friend Thomas Hobbes has the answer. At first, absolutism may sound like a ludicrous form of government, […]