The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 02 (of 11)
by Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679)
- Free to read
- 7 hours to read
- 18 chapters
- Reading level: 10th to 12th grade
"The English Works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 02 (of 11)" by Hobbes is a philosophical treatise written in the early 19th century. This volume presents Hobbes' exploration of government, society, and the laws of nature, shedding light on the foundational principles of civil governance and natural rights. It aims to discuss the duties and rights of individuals within a societal framework, emphasizing the need for a social contract to maintain order and prevent conflict. The opening of this volume lays the groundwork for Hobbes' argument, asserting that the natural state of humanity is one of conflict and competition, which he terms a "war of all against all." He critiques the belief that humans are inherently social beings, suggesting instead that their interactions are primarily driven by self-interest and mutual fear. In this chaos, Hobbes argues, establishing a civil society through mutual agreements and a common authority is essential for the preservation of peace and the protection of individual rights. He sets forth a methodical exploration of the principles underlying human nature, justice, contracts, and the formation of governments, providing a clear framework for understanding the complexities of political organization and moral philosophy.
- Philosophy, English · 17th century
Read the opening
Chapter I
1. The Introduction. 2. That the beginning of civil society is from mutual fear. 3. That men by nature are all equal. 4. Whence the will of mischieving each other ariseth. 5. The discord arising from comparison of wits. 6. From the appetite many have to the same thing. 7. The definition of right. 8. A right to the end, gives a right to the means necessary to that end. 9. By the right of nature, every man is judge of the means which tend to his own preservation. 10. By nature all men have equal right to all things. 11. This right which all men have to all things, is unprofitable. 12. The state of men without civil society, is a mere state of war: the definitions of peace and war. 13. War is an adversary to man’s preservation. 14. It is lawful for any man, by natural right, to compel another whom he hath gotten in his power, to give caution of his future obedience. 15. Nature dictates the seeking after peace.
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This free edition of The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 02 (of 11) by Thomas Hobbes comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #73906, released 2024-06-24. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Philosophy & Ethics, Politics.
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