Major Works
Leviathan, or the Matter, Form, and Power of a Commonwealth, Ecclesiastical and Civil [1651]
- Hackett, 1994 (Edwin Curley, ed.)The Leviathan is Hobbes’s masterwork, published in 1651. It contains four parts: “Of Man,” “Of Commonwealth,” “Of a Christian Commonwealth,” and “Of the Kingdom of Darkness.” “Of Man” connects… MoreThe Elements of Philosophy: De Cive
- Hackett, 1991 (Bernard Gert, ed. -- contains De Cive and selections of De Homine)The Elements of Philosophy is composed of three parts, not published in their intended order. De Cive, published in 1642, was Hobbes’s first definitive articulation of his political philosophy. It includes Hobbes’s account of the state of nature and the… More
Commentary
Second Treatise of Government [1689]
- John Locke (C. B. Macpherson, ed., Hackett, 1980)Locke’s Second Treatise, one of the great texts in the history of liberal political thought and a great influence on the American founders, is simultaneously a continuation of Hobbes’ thought and a criticism of Hobbes’ scheme. Like Hobbes,… MoreHobbesian Moral and Political Theory
- Gregory S. Kavka (Princeton University Press, 1986)From the book description: Both conflict and cooperation are ubiquitous features of human social life. Interests of individuals conflict with those of their neighbors because (among other reasons) material resources are scarce, ideals and values are diverse,… More“Fear of Death” by Gary Herbert
- Gary Herbert, Hobbes Studies, 7, no. 1 (1994): 56-68Excerpt: Of all the passions of self-interest, fear, Hobbes believed, was the most irresistible, most reliable, and most able to enlighten man regarding the truth of his situation. Unlike desire or appetite, fear is not limited by ignorance. While one can… More