Lecture Notes: Conclusion of Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes

Overview

• Thomas Hobbes provides a review and conclusion of his work, Leviathan.
• An abbreviated version of the entire book is included to facilitate understanding.

Key Points

• Hobbes confidently concludes that nothing in his discourse opposes:
  • The Word of God
  • Good manners
  • Public tranquility

Purpose and Approach

• Hobbes's intended purpose:
  • To create an unbiased scientific discourse.
  • Relevant to the events of his time.
  • Illustrates the relationship between protection and obedience.
• Belief:
  • The condition of human nature and divine laws require inviolable observation of this relationship.

Scientific and Political Neutrality

• Hobbes aims to depoliticize his discourse.
• Objective:
  • Enlighten all people regardless of political stance.
• Challenges:
  • Publishing a text about governmental structure during a civil war poses neutrality challenges.

Method and Observations

• Hobbes remains faithful to his method.
• Strives to be:
  • Objective
  • A reasoned observer of human behavior and the Commonwealth.

Conclusion

• Hobbes maintains a scientific approach to discussing human behavior and governance.
• His work is positioned as an objective observation, free from political bias, during a tumultuous time.