Understanding Thomas Hobbes
John Rawls, the famous political philosopher of the 20th century, called Thomas Hobbes' 17th century book Leviathan "the greatest single work of political thought in the English language.”
But it is not the most accessible work. Beginning philosophy students continue to struggle with Hobbes' old-English words and prose style.. Professor Laurence Houlgate's guide to Leviathan solves these problems by organizing each chapter into short sections while using contemporary examples and prose to explain the more difficult arguments and ideas. The result is an understandable student companion to Hobbes' Leviathan.
Houlgate also provides two chapters showing how Hobbes answers the central questions of political philosophy, and compares Hobbes' answers to those of Plato and John Locke. As a bonus, each chapter ends with questions for thought and discussion, thereby helping students with exam preparation and providing ideas for successful term papers.
The book concludes with an imaginary dialogue between Hobbes, Locke and James Madison on the impeachment clause of the U.S. Constitution.
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