Leviathan

Leviathan

By Thomas Hobbes
Michael Caine
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length22h 1m

About this audiobook

In his seminal work *Leviathan*, Thomas Hobbes presents a compelling examination of human nature and the necessity of social contract theory in establishing a governing authority. Written during the turbulence of the English Civil War, Hobbes employs a precise and systematic style, intricately weaving together philosophy, political theory, and moral reasoning. The book starkly contrasts the state of nature—characterized by chaos and a 'war of all against all'—with the order and security provided by a powerful sovereign, which Hobbes famously likens to a 'Leviathan,' a metaphor for absolute authority that holds society together in a fragile peace. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) stands as a prominent figure in political philosophy, with *Leviathan* reflecting his belief in the necessity of a strong centralized power. His experiences during the civil strife of his time, coupled with his education and interactions in the court of Charles I, deeply influenced his thoughts on human behavior and governance. Hobbes' pessimistic view of humanity as naturally self-interested and conflict-prone propels his argument for absolute sovereignty, setting the groundwork for modern political theory. *Leviathan* remains an essential read for anyone interested in the roots of political thought and the dynamics of human society. It challenges readers to ponder the balance between freedom and security, making it not only relevant in the context of its time but also a critical text for understanding contemporary political discourse. Hobbes' incisive insights invite thoughtful reflection, ensuring its standing as a cornerstone of philosophical inquiry.

Audiobook details

GenrePolitics and Government
Length22 hrs 1 min
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 23, 2023
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1Introduction
26Chapter XXV: Of Counsel
2Chapter I: Of Sense
27Chapter XXVI: Of Civil Laws
3Chapter II: Of Imagination
28Chapter XXVII: Of Crimes, Excuses, and Extenuations
4Chapter III: Of the Consequence or Train of Imaginations
29Chapter XXVIII: Of Punishments and Rewards
5Chapter IV: Of Speech
30Chapter XXIX: Of Those Things that Weaken or Tend to the Dissolution of a Commonwealth
Show all chapters
6Chapter V: Of Reason and Science
31Chapter XXX: Of the Office of the Sovereign Representative
7Chapter VI: Of the Interior Beginnings of Voluntary Motions, Commonly Called the Passions; and the Speeches by which They are Expressed
32Chapter XXXI: Of the Kingdom of God by Nature
8Chapter VII: Of the Ends or Resolutions of Discourse
33Chapter XXXII: Of the Principles of Christian Politics
9Chapter VIII: Of the Virtues Commonly Called Intellectual; and Their Contrary Defects
34Chapter XXXIII: Of the Number, Antiquity, Scope, Authority, and Interpreters of The Books of Holy Scripture
10Chapter IX: Of the Several Subject of Knowledge
35Chapter XXXIV: Of the Signification of Spirit, Angel, and Inspiration in the Books of Holy Scripture
11Chapter X: Of Power, Worth, Dignity, Honour and Worthiness
36Chapter XXXV: Of the Signification in Scripture of Kingdom of God, of Holy, Sacred, and Sacrament
12Chapter XI: Of the Difference of Manners
37Chapter XXXVI: Of the Word of God, and of Prophets
13Chapter XII: Of Religion
38Chapter XXXVII: Of Miracles and Their Use
14Chapter XIII: Of the Natural Condition of Mankind as Concerning Their Felicity and Misery
39Chapter XXXVIII: Of the Signification in Scripture of Eternal Life, Hell, Salvation, the World to Come, and Redemption
15Chapter XIV: Of the First and Second Natural Laws, and of Contracts
40Chapter XXXIX: Of the Signification in Scripture of the Word Church
16Chapter XV: Of Other Laws of Nature
41Chapter XL: Of the Rights of the Kingdom of God, in Abraham, Moses, the High Priests, and the Kings of Judah
17Chapter XVI: Of Persons, Authors, and Things Personated
42Chapter XLI: Of the Office of Our Blessed Saviour
18Chapter XVII: Of the Causes, Generation, and Definition of a Commonwealth
43Chapter XLII: Of Power Ecclesiastical (pt. 1)
19Chapter XVIII: Of the Rights of Sovereigns by Institution
44Chapter XLII: Of Power Ecclesiastical (pt. 2)
20Chapter XIX: Of the Several Kinds of Commonwealth by Institution, and of Succession to the Sovereign Power
45Chapter XLIII: Of what is Necessary for a Man's Reception into the Kingdom of Heaven
21Chapter XX: Of Dominion Paternal and Despotical
46Chapter XLIV: Of Spiritual Darkness from Misinterpretation of Scripture
22Chapter XXI: Of the Liberty of Subjects
47Chapter XLV: Of Demonology and Other Relics of the Religion of the Gentiles
23Chapter XXII: Of Systems Subject Political and Private
48Chapter XLVI: Of Darkness from Vain Philosophy and Fabulous Traditions
24Chapter XXIII: Of the Public Ministers of Sovereign Power
49Chapter XLVII: Of the Benefit that Proceedeth from Such Darkness, and to Whom It Accrueth
25Chapter XXIV: Of the Nutrition and Procreation of a Commonwealth
50A Review and Conclusion

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