Thomas Hobbes wrote Leviathan during the English Civil War, promoting the necessity of sovereignty in order to achieve a functional society. With the influence of Francis Bacon and Niccolò Machiavelli, Hobbes presented his theories through empiricism and the social dynamics of power. Hobbes’ philosophy is a denial of classical teachings and the acceptance of science or the new age of reason. Hobbes devotes chapters in the Leviathan to even explicitly go against traditional Aristotle teachings. One of the biggest differences between Hobbes and Aristotle is the idea of the individual in presence of others and in the individual’s own space. Both philosophers disagree in humanity’s state of being and their end goal. Although Hobbes’ view on humanity’s state of being is ridiculously one of pessimism, his understanding of natural equality and the need for government is not only preferable compared to Aristotle’ view, but disproves his classical teachings.
Aristotle’s teaching was the most popular philosophy being taught during the 1600s. Not only does Hobbes write around this time to seek peace from the English Civil War, but to denounce Aristotle’s work. …show more content…
Hobbes argues that good and bad varies from one person to another and rejects Aristotle’s belief that humanity has an ultimate purpose. Hobbes says, “Continual success in obtaining those things which a man from time to time desireth, that is to say, continual prospering, is that men call Felicity” (120). Humanity desires different things that are specifically good for their own well-being. We are not universally drawn to one thing in life, but we are each drawn to something different that will make us happy. Humans have been given the intelligence to think, speak, and perform. We are too complex and diverse to have one end goal in life. Many groups have many different objectives and
Aristotle’s teaching was the most popular philosophy being taught during the 1600s. Not only does Hobbes write around this time to seek peace from the English Civil War, but to denounce Aristotle’s work. …show more content…
Hobbes argues that good and bad varies from one person to another and rejects Aristotle’s belief that humanity has an ultimate purpose. Hobbes says, “Continual success in obtaining those things which a man from time to time desireth, that is to say, continual prospering, is that men call Felicity” (120). Humanity desires different things that are specifically good for their own well-being. We are not universally drawn to one thing in life, but we are each drawn to something different that will make us happy. Humans have been given the intelligence to think, speak, and perform. We are too complex and diverse to have one end goal in life. Many groups have many different objectives and