Leviathan: The Original 1651 Essay On Social Contract Theory

Leviathin - also known as Leviathin or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Commonwealth Ecclesiastical and Civil - was written by Thomas Hobbs and published in 1651. The name of the piece is derived from the biblical sea serpent, a monster of Jewish and old testament lore.

Written during the English Civil War of 1642-1651, the book advocates for a social contract and objective rule by a supreme monarch. It addresses the structure of society and legitimate government. It is one of the earliest and most influential examples of the social contract theory. Hobbs argues that civil war and the collateral damage associated with war could be completely avoided with the leadership of a strong, undivided government.

This beautiful reprint of the original essay is unabridged and unedited, preserving Leviathan for your reading pleasure. Enjoy

Excerpt:

"And because in Deliberation the Appetites and Aversions are raised by foresight of the good and evill consequences, and sequels of the action whereof we Deliberate; the good or evill effect thereof dependeth on the foresight of a long chain of consequences, of which very seldome any man is able to see to the end. But for so far as a man seeth, if the Good in those consequences be greater than the evill, the whole chain is that which Writers call Apparent or Seeming Good. And contrarily, when the evill exceedeth the good, the whole is Apparent or Seeming Evill: so that he who hath by Experience, or Reason, the greatest and surest prospect of Consequences, Deliberates best himself; and is able, when he will, to give the best counsel unto others."

Dimensions:

• Original 1651 Text
• Classic Political Essay
• Dimensions: 8x10 inches
• Matte Cover