Question

What significant historical event occurred prior to thomas hobbes' writing of leviathan? what is the meaning of this title?

Answer 1

The publication of Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan occurred in 1661. The book's publication occurred one year after the Restoration of the English monarchy in 1660. The Restoration occurred after the short-lived English Commonwealth led by Oliver Cromwell from 1653-1659. Cromwell had come to power as a result of the English Civil Wars and was known as a Roundhead. The term Leviathan is drawn from the Old Testament and refers to a multiheaded sea monster. In Hobbes work, the intent is to present a treatise on politics and is one of the most important examples of social contract theory. It argues for the importance of a social contract and rule by an absolute sovereign. He favored a strong undivided government that could serve as a bulwark against civil war.

Answer 2

A significant historical event that occurred prior to Thomas Hobbes' writing of Leviathan is the English Civil War that pitted Parliament and King Charles I. The title Leviathan is significant as it makes reference to an absolute monarchy which Hobbes deemed necessary in organizing of society. A Leviathan is a sea-monster that consumes anything in its way of control