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Theory & Philosophy

Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan" (Part 1/5)

Jan 27, 2024
Delving into Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan, the podcast explores the parallels between the state and a human body, critiques Hobbes' justification of persecution, discusses the significance of speech in establishing truths, examines human passions and emotions, explores the concept of Commonwealth and human rationality, and discusses the differences between knowledge of facts and understanding cause and effect relationships.
45:49

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Hobbes presents the Leviathan as a symbolic representation of the state, emphasizing its role in protecting and representing citizens.
  • Reason and imagination are pivotal in shaping human thoughts, allowing for the creation of new ideas and memories beyond natural limits.

Deep dives

Overview of Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan

Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan, written in the mid-17th century, explores the concept of the state as an artificial creation formed by humans to protect and represent them. Hobbes introduces the idea of the Leviathan as the commonwealth or state, likening it to a human body with legal bodies as its nerves, wealth as power, and safety as its business. The text is divided into four parts, focusing on man, the Commonwealth, Christian origins, and the fall of societies that do not adhere to biblical teachings.

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