1651 · Thomas Hobbes · England

Leviathan

PhilosophyPolitical TheoryTreatise Landmark Renaissance & Early Modern

A foundational work of political philosophy arguing that social order requires an absolute sovereign power to prevent the "war of all against all." Hobbes constructs a mechanistic account of human nature and political obligation.

Literary Significance

Leviathan established modern political philosophy by grounding the state in a social contract born from self-interest rather than divine right. It remains essential to debates about power, freedom, and security.

Historical Context

Written during the English Civil War, Leviathan responds directly to the chaos of political conflict, arguing that absolute monarchy is preferable to civil disorder, making it a controversial defense of authoritarianism.