58 pages • 1 hour read
Thomas HobbesLeviathan
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1651A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan (1651) explores social contract theory amidst the English Civil Wars, arguing that to avoid a natural state of perpetual war, individuals consent to surrender specific freedoms to a sovereign authority in exchange for protection and order. Divided into four parts, it examines the nature of humans, the structure of commonwealths, the relationship between religion and governance, and critiques certain Catholic Church practices.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes is lauded for its foundational influence on political philosophy and social contract theory. Critics admire Hobbes' analytical prowess and his profound insights into human nature and governance. However, some find his prose challenging and dense, which can detract from accessibility. Overall, it remains a pivotal but demanding read.
Who Should Read Leviathan?
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes is ideal for readers fascinated by political philosophy, social contract theory, and early modern thought. Comparable to those who appreciate John Locke's Two Treatises of Government or Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract, it appeals to individuals interested in the foundations of political authority and human nature.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1470L