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The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 04 (of 11)

by Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679)

  • Free to read
  • 9 hours to read
  • 31 chapters
  • Reading level: 10th to 12th grade

"The English Works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 04 (of 11)" by Hobbes is a collection of philosophical writings likely authored during the 17th century. This volume includes discussions on human nature, political theory, and the foundations of law and ethics, exploring the complexities of human motivation and the social contract. It aims to analyze the faculties, actions, and passions of the human soul, building a framework for understanding governance and individual behavior. At the start of this volume, Hobbes introduces his examination of human nature, asserting that understanding human motivations is foundational for political philosophy. He emphasizes the necessity of grasping basic principles of natural and political law before delving deeper into the complexities of societal relationships. The initial chapters outline the essential faculties of the body and mind, such as cognition and imagination, setting the stage for exploring how these elements interact to shape human behavior and societal structures. Hobbes’ meticulous and methodical approach seeks to clarify misconceptions prevalent in previous philosophical writings, striving for a clear and rational basis in the discourse surrounding human nature and political order.

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  • Philosophy, English · 17th century

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Chapter I: [Sidenote: Introduction.]

1. The true and perspicuous explication of the elements of laws natural and politic (which is my present scope) dependeth upon the knowledge of what is human nature, what is body politic, and what it is we call a law; concerning which points, as the writings of men from antiquity downwards have still increased, so also have the doubts and controversies concerning the same: and seeing that true knowledge begetteth not doubt nor controversy, but knowledge, it is manifest from the present controversies, that they, which have heretofore written thereof, have not well understood their own subject.

2. Harm I can do none, though I err no less than they; for I shall leave men but as they are, in doubt and dispute: but, intending not to take any principle upon trust, but only to put men in mind of what they know already, or may know by their own experience, I hope to err the less; and when I do, it must proceed from too hasty concluding, which I will endeavour as much as I can to avoid.

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Contents

Show all 31 chapters
  1. Front Matter
  2. Chapter I: [Sidenote: Introduction.]
  3. Chapter II
  4. Chapter III
  5. Chapter IV
  6. Chapter V
  7. Chapter VI
  8. Chapter VII
  9. Chapter VIII
  10. Chapter IX
  11. Chapter X
  12. Chapter XI
  13. Chapter XII
  14. Chapter XIII
  15. Conclusion
  16. Chapter I
  17. Chapter II
  18. Chapter III
  19. Chapter IV
  20. Chapter V
  21. Chapter VI
  22. Chapter I
  23. Chapter II
  24. Chapter III
  25. Chapter IV
  26. Chapter V
  27. Chapter VI
  28. Chapter VII
  29. Chapter VIII
  30. Chapter IX
  31. Chapter X

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About this edition

This free edition of The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 04 (of 11) by Thomas Hobbes comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #74236, released 2024-08-12. 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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