Leviathan (1909 ed)

Mintz examines 17th century responses to Hobbes’ Leviathan, to set this work against his intellectual context of the time.

Owen discusses the question of liberalism and tolerance within Leviathan, discussing the paradox between Liberal toleration and Hobbesian absolutism.

Vaughan’s essay explores what the 17th century thinker might have to say about the politics and institutions of today, as well as how much of his legacy remains pertinent.

David Runciman explores what Hobbes sought to achieve in Leviathan, and how a politics arose from the English Civil War can still hold truths for the modern world.

Like Leviathan, the Second Treatise discusses the origin and purpose of civil society and government starting with the state of nature.

Rousseau offers an alternate interpretation of the social contract than Hobbes’ does in Leviathan, asserting that it is in the state of nature that life is peaceful and equality reigns.

Jasay discusses whether the Hobbesian social contracts that make up the political order within Leviathan is conducive to a peaceful world order.

Buchman stands on the shoulders of enlightenment era social contract theorists by using modern economic analysis to develop a new theory on the paradox of individual freedom and the state in civil society.