The philosophy and beliefs of Thomas Hobbes
I can explain who Thomas Hobbes was, his context, and why his religious views were considered controversial.
The philosophy and beliefs of Thomas Hobbes
I can explain who Thomas Hobbes was, his context, and why his religious views were considered controversial.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher who lived during the Renaissance and Enlightenment period.
- He is most famous for his political philosophy and his 1651 book, 'Leviathan'.
- Hobbes provided a cosmological argument for the existence of God, saying that God is "the first cause of all causes".
- There is debate about what Hobbes' religious views were as he held some contradicting views.
- One example of this contradiction is that he denies the existence of a soul but accepts the existence of God.
Keywords
Cosmological argument - an argument that attempts to prove God's existence as the first cause of the universe.
'Leviathan' - a book by Thomas Hobbes that argues for a strong authority to maintain order in society
Materialism - the belief that everything, including thoughts and emotions, arises from physical matter
Sovereign - a supreme ruler
Thomas Hobbes - an English philosopher (1588–1679) known for his political philosophy
Common misconception
Hobbes rejected all religious beliefs.
Hobbes did not reject religion outright. Instead, he argued that religious interpretations and practices should be subject to the authority of the sovereign for the sake of social order.
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Starter quiz
5 Questions
reason
authority
emotion
Exit quiz
5 Questions
an argument that attempts to prove God's existence as the first cause
a book by Thomas Hobbes that argues for the need for strong authority
the belief that everything arises from physical matter
a supreme ruler
an English philosopher (1588–1679) known for his political philosophy