Presents a set of extended essays on a variety of aspects of the life and work of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679). Some have previously been published as journal articles, etc., but two‐thirds of the material in this book is new. While each essay may be read independently of the others and in any order, there are two introductory essays (Chs. 1 and 2), which nonspecialists may prefer to read first. The topics covered include Hobbes's political philosophy, his theory of international relations, the development of his mechanistic world‐view, his Biblical criticism, and the European rec ... More

Presents a set of extended essays on a variety of aspects of the life and work of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679). Some have previously been published as journal articles, etc., but two‐thirds of the material in this book is new. While each essay may be read independently of the others and in any order, there are two introductory essays (Chs. 1 and 2), which nonspecialists may prefer to read first. The topics covered include Hobbes's political philosophy, his theory of international relations, the development of his mechanistic world‐view, his Biblical criticism, and the European reception of his thought.