Thomas Hobbes, born on April 5, 1588, in Westport, now part of Malmesbury in Wiltshire, England, was an English philosopher best known for his 1651 book 'Leviathan'. He is considered one of the founders of modern political philosophy. Hobbes's work profoundly influenced the understanding of political structure and human nature.
Origins & Early Formation
Thomas Hobbes was born prematurely when his mother heard of the coming invasion of the Spanish Armada. His father, Thomas Sr.,
was the vicar of both Charlton and Westport but was uneducated and involved in a fight with the local clergy, forcing him to leave London. As a result, the family was left in the care of Thomas Sr.'s older brother, Francis, a wealthy glove manufacturer.
First Steps into Public Life
Hobbes was educated at Westport church from age four, went to the Malmesbury school, and then to a private school kept by Robert Latimer, a graduate of the University of Oxford. Hobbes was a good pupil and went to Magdalen Hall, Oxford, where he was taught scholastic logic and mathematics. He completed his B.A. degree by incorporation at St John's College, Cambridge, in 1608.
Ideas, Aims & Methods
Hobbes's academic journey led him to the University of Oxford, where he was exposed to classical literature and mathematics. He became a tutor to the Cavendish family, which connected him to intellectual circles and initiated his extensive travels across Europe. These experiences, including meetings with figures like Galileo, shaped his intellectual development.
Rise & Turning Points
After returning to England from France in 1637, Hobbes witnessed the destruction and brutality of the English Civil War, which heavily influenced his advocacy for governance by an absolute sovereign in 'Leviathan'. His other major works include the trilogy 'De Cive' (1642), 'De Corpore' (1655), and 'De Homine' (1658) as well as the posthumous work 'Behemoth' (1681).
