Terrifed Tom

Today is the birthday of Thomas Hobbes, born in 1588.  One of the most significant and influential philosophers of modern (as opposed to ancient) times, his work is as relevant as ever.

He wrote about a lot of things, but is best known for Leviathan, his work on social contract theory.  It's a big question--what is the place of the state?  Hobbes believed in a powerful monarchy. (Certainly not democracy.)

Nature is the war of all against all.  People need certainty, and protection, as life in nature is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short." So we need some political community, some agreed-upon deal, under which to live.  And we all have to give up some of our power for this protection.  A single sovereign to control things is the best and most efficient system.

I'm not saying Hobbes is right. Few are. But he's asking the right questions.  And the many who followed have to deal with Hobbes when they give their answers.  So here's to you, Tom.  Life may be short, but your fame lives on.