1st Edition

The Routledge Guidebook to Hobbes' Leviathan

By Glen Newey Copyright 2014
    388 Pages
    by Routledge

    388 Pages
    by Routledge

    Hobbes is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of ideas and political thought, and his seminal text Leviathan is widely recognised as one of the greatest works of political philosophy ever written.

    The Routledge Guidebook to Hobbes’ Leviathan introduces the major themes in Hobbes’ great book and acts as a companion for reading this key work, examining:

    • The context of Hobbes’ work and the background to his writing
    • Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
    • The reception the book received when first seen by the world
    • The relevance of Hobbes’ work to modern philosophy, it’s legacy and influence

    With further reading included throughout, this text follows Hobbes’ original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy and politics, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.

    Acknowledgements  Introduction  1. Hobbes’ Life  2. Leviathan: the book  3. Human Knowledge, Reason and Ignorance  4. The State of Nature: Law and Right  5. State of Nature to Commonwealth  6. Contract and Consent  7. Sovereignty, State, Commonwealth  8. Law, Crime, Punishment  9. Religious Liberty and Toleration  10. Leviathan and International Relations  11. The afterlife of the Leviathan

    Biography

    Glen Newey is Professor of Political Theory at the Université libre de Bruxelles. His main research interest is political philosophy, on which he has published widely.