AP+2015-16+Thomas+Hobbes

Historical: Ian Crockett Thomas Hobbes was a very unique individual whose ideas were far beyond his own era. Hobbs was a man of science and a profound mathematician but neither of these factors about his life change his impact on history. Hobbs lived in the 16th and 17th, but his ideas about the church and how religion should be viewed were very unpopular and controversial. According to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Hobbes, “makes very strong claims about the proper relation between religion and politics” (Williams). Hobbes was a strong proponent of the idea that religion should be completely left out of politics. Hobbes focused on religion in particular because of his fascination with how it could make a person act. These ideas were frowned upon by the church and thus the government of the time. Many believed that Hobbes was an atheist and was always trying to discredit the church. This was not the case; Hobbes simply believed that religion and politics did not mix well when concerning the well being of society. Because of his ideas and how vocal he was about them, Hobbes really became the father of the idea of separation of church and state. This idea would later be adopted by the founding fathers and would have a major influence in modern politics around the world.

Cultural: Catherine Gavin

Thomas Hobbes’ idea of what role political leadership plays on society and individuals has shaped how many perceive politics and the power that comes with it. Hobbes’ stance on political power comes from his assertion that society lives in, “a world where human authority is something that requires justification...a world where social and political inequality also appears questionable; and a world where religious authority faces significant dispute” (Williams). While this statement may seem demeaning to human nature, it has played a significant role in how politics are approached. His idea of politics and religion being two different entities were radical in a time where they were one in the same. This has shaped the cultural idea of the separation of church and state. As well as shaping many current political ideas, his overall notion of what politics were was very different from the democratic style of government that is around today. He believed that humans couldn’t function unless ruled by a single authority. The cultural impact of this has been significant in the sense of questioning one’s loyalty and allegiance. Within a culture based upon individualism and being oneself, Hobbes’ ideas offer a different take on what being human really means. It makes people question themselves and society as a whole, for if one cannot act as an individual, then the idea of an individualistic culture is a lie.

Audience: Morgan Carruth



Thomas Hobbes had a very wide range of audience members throughout his lifetime. This largely stemmed from his political connections and influential ideas regarding humans ability to live in harmony despite the perils of societal conflict. After Hobbes completed school, he formed a connection with the Cavendish family, a very powerful and influential family of his time. This allowed him to expand his connections with the political world immensely, as he was constantly present during discussions regarding the involvement of the king and other powerful people of his time. Although never reaching a point of power himself, his associations with politics is what caused him popularity and allowed him to become well known to his audience. His most famous works occurred during the upheaval of England during the 1600, titled “The Elements of Law”, “De Cive”, and “Leviathan”. A large part of his audience consisted of civilians and citizens of the time, allowing him to increase his popularity with his work “De Cive”, meaning “on the citizen”. Hobbes greatest intention was simply to share his ideas with everyone who could be affected, allowing for his audience to consist of anyone who shared his ideas or took interest in his philosophy. Hobbes’ literary works, a trilogy, each had their own specific audience. This audience consisting of political figures and citizens allowed Hobbes to make a truly impactful effect on the people of his time. Although Hobbes lived in a time where great conflict took place, he was always able to reach his audience with his philosophical genius.

AIM: Tristan Davis Thomas Hobbes has been namely recognized as the founding father of political philosophy. His policies and beliefs are still evident in modern society, as “his main concern was the problem of social and political order: how human beings can live together in peace and avoid the danger and fear of civil conflict” (Williams). Thomas Hobbes was born into a time of political and social strife among the European parliament, shaping his ideals early on. His main inspiration were the aspects of human nature and the drive behind their behavior, and his political philosophy was formed around the interactions between human beings. He represented a social and political ideology around acquiring peace by eliminating negative interactions between individuals, such as his disapprovement government based on religious authority. Hobbes was able to develop his ethis on the human nature of interaction and his political ideals through his involvement with the Cavendish family. His political affiliation began with his association with this family and “entered circles where the activities of the king, members of Parliament, and other wealthy landowners were discussed, and his intellectual abilities brought him close to power (although he never became a powerful figure himself)” (Biography). His inspiration for developing such a strong, intellectual political identity began with his experiences with parliament and the king. He came very close to power and worked with some of the most powerful men in Europe at the time, allowing his moral and ethical visions to grow rapidly. Overall, Thomas Hobbes has been recognized as a very influential political figure throughout the 1600’s and in modern society due to his works and ethical analysis of humanity in society.

Works Cited

"Thomas Hobbes Biography." //Bio.com//. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. Williams, Garrath. "Thomas Hobbes: Moral and Political Philosophy." // Internet Encyclopedia of //// Philosophy //. Lancaster University, n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2015. Runciman, David. "Where's Hobbes?" //The Times Literary Supplement//. The Times Literary Supplement, n.d. Web