Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate the overall coherence of Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan. That coherence is found, this study maintains, in the unity of Hobbes's moral and political theory in Leviathan. It is difficult to establish a case for the coherence of this work. Part of the difficulty lies with Hobbes's own exposition, which is frequently obscure and incoherent: while terms may be precisely defined, they may be carelessly employed; derivative principles are sometimes at odds with more basic principles from which they are derived; and later passages seem to deny what earlier passages affirmed. ;In addition to attempting to demonstrate the coherence of Hobbes's thought, this essay also deals with internal criticism of Leviathan and with extensive critique and correction of some of Hobbes's interpreters. It does not deal with the adequacy of Hobbes's system of philosophy, however. ;The chapters examine, in turn, Hobbes's theory of duty, his theological ideas having influence on his theory of obligation, his discussion of absolute sovereignty, and the rights and duties of men in a commonwealth. Finally, in the conclusion, I return once more to the theme of the coherence of the political and moral teachings of Leviathan, showing how this coherence is more easily demonstrated when the suggestions and criticisms I propose are taken into account