Hobbes

Thomas <strong>Hobbes</strong> 15881679 was the first great English philosopher and one ofthe most important theorists of human nature and politics in the histo... » 

Thomas Hobbes 15881679 was the first great English philosopher and one ofthe most important theorists of human nature and politics in the history ofWestern thought.This superlative introduction explains Hobbess main doctrines and argumentscovering all of Hobbess philosophy. A.P.Martinich begins with a helpfuloverview of Hobbess life and work setting his ideas against the political andscientific background seventeenth century England. He then introduces andassesses in clear chapters Hobbess contributions to fundamental areas ofphilosophy Epistemology and metaphysics in particular Hobbess materialism anddeterminism and his relation to Descartes Ethics and political philosophy concentrating on Hobbess most famous workLeviathan and the theory of the social contract it advances Philosophy of science logic and language considering Hobbess theory ofnominalism and his writing on rhetoric and the uses of language Religion examining Hobbess analyses ofrevelation prophets and miracles.The final chapter considers the legacy of Hobbess thought and his influence oncontemporary philosophy.Additional features Chapter summaries Annotated further reading «