Definition

Proper noun: - English philosopher: Thomas Hobbes was a 17th-century English philosopher, best known for his political philosophy and materialist worldview. He is a foundational figure in modern political thought. - Author of Leviathan: He is the author of the seminal work Leviathan (1651), in which he argues for a social contract and the necessity of a powerful, absolute sovereign to maintain order and prevent civil conflict.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Thomas Hobbes famously described the natural human condition as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
  • The political theories of Thomas Hobbes were developed during the turmoil of the English Civil War.
  • Many political science courses begin with the ideas of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.

Advanced Usage

• "Hobbesian" (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the ideas of Thomas Hobbes, especially the view that human life without government is inherently chaotic and competitive.
  • The anarchic situation was described in starkly Hobbesian terms.
• Hobbes as a symbol: The name "Hobbes" is often used metonymically to represent the philosophical argument for a strong central authority.
  • The debate often pits Hobbes against Rousseau on the nature of human society.

Variants and Related Words

• Hobbesian (adjective): Of or relating to Thomas Hobbes or his ideas, particularly emphasizing a pessimistic view of human nature and the need for absolute sovereignty.
• Leviathan (noun): The title of Hobbes's most famous work; often used to refer to the concept of an all-powerful state or sovereign.

Synonyms

• Philosopher: Thinker, theorist. (Specific to his field)
• Theorist of sovereignty: Advocate of absolutism. (Specific to his political doctrine)

Related Phrases/Concepts

• State of nature: A central concept in Hobbes's philosophy, describing the hypothetical condition of humanity before the establishment of society and government, characterized by a "war of all against all."
• Social contract: The theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or tacitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a ruler or magistrate in exchange for protection of their remaining rights. Hobbes is a key early proponent of this theory.
• Absolute sovereignty: The political doctrine, championed by Hobbes, that the sovereign power (a monarch or assembly) should hold complete and unchallengeable authority over a commonwealth.

Noun

1. English materialist and political philosopher who advocated absolute sovereignty as the only kind of government that could resolve problems caused by the selfishness of human beings (1588-1679)