General Philosophy 2.2 Thomas Hobbes: The Monster of Malmesbury
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Mar 16, 2010 Delve into the mind of Thomas Hobbes, known as 'The Monster of Malmesbury.' Explore his mechanistic view of the universe and the deep-rooted determinism that shapes his philosophy. Discover his stark, sometimes bleak perspective on human nature, famously declaring life as 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.' The discussion highlights his political theories in 'Leviathan,' emphasizing the need for an absolute sovereign. Hobbes' controversial ideas left an indelible mark on 17th-century political thought.
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Hobbes's Mechanistic Universe and Determinism
- Thomas Hobbes, known as the "Monster of Malmesbury," held a mechanistic view of the universe, believing only in physical stuff.
- He advocated universal determinism, where everything is predetermined by physical laws, and argued for absolute sovereignty.
Hobbes's Leviathan and Political Philosophy
- Hobbes's "Leviathan" (1651) presents a pessimistic view of human nature, describing life as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
- He believed an absolute sovereign was essential to maintain peace and avoid the "war of all against all."
Hobbes's Materialism
- Hobbes rejected Descartes's concept of immaterial substance, viewing terms like "incorporeal body" as contradictory.
- He used the example to criticize Descartes' dualism.
