Leviathan (Deluxe Library Edition)

Exploring the structure of society and legitimate governance, this classic Western work delves into social contract theory, positioning itself alongside Machiavelli's The Prince. Written amidst the turmoil of the English Civil War, it advocates for a powerful, absolute sovereign as the solution to the chaos of a state of nature, where conflict prevails. Hobbes emphasizes that only through a strong, unified government can civil war be averted, making a compelling case for the necessity of authority in maintaining order.