Categories: Linguistics History Of Western Philosophy Social & Political Philosophy Political Science & Theory


Leviathan - Oxford Worlds Classics
Thomas Hobbes, J. C. A. Gaskin

New Edition

Paperback (11 Sep 2008)


He that is to govern a whole nation, must read in himself, not this, or that particular man; but mankind.

Leviathan is both a magnificent literary achievement and the greatest work of political philosophy in the English language. Permanently challenging, it has found new applications and new refutations in every generation. Hobbes argues that human beings are first and foremost concerned with their own individual desires and fears. He shows that a conflict of each against every man can only be avoided by the adoption of a compact to enforce peace. The compact involves giving up some of our
natural freedom to a sovereign power that will enforce the laws of peace on all citizens. Hobbes also analyses the subversive forces - religion, ambition, private conscience - that threaten to destroy the body politic, Leviathan itself, and return us to the state of war.

This new edition reproduces the first printed text, retaining the original punctuation but modernizing the spelling. It offers exceptionally thorough and useful annotation, an introduction that guides the reader through the complexities of Hobbess arguments, and a substantial index.


ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford Worlds Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxfords commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.


Product details

ISBN: 9780199537280
Publisher: OUP OXFORD
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Pub date: 11 Sep 2008
Edition: New Edition
DEWEY: 320.01
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Number of pages: 508
Weight: 398g
Height: 196mm
Width: 130mm
Spine width: 25mm