Abstract

In this dissertation the reader will find a novel interpretation of the civil philosophy of Thomas Hobbes. In order to make the meaning of Hobbes' civil philosophy more understandable two related questions are entertained. First, what was Hobbes' purpose in his works devoted to civil philosophy and what method did Hobbes use to accomplish that purpose? Second, what meanings did Hobbes attach to the terms essential to his civil philosophy, especially "law of nature", "state of nature", covenant", and "civil society"? ;In developing my interpretation of Hobbes' civil philosophy I have been guided by two principles. First, I have let Hobbes speak for himself as much as possible. This means that I have paid close attention to Hobbes' own statements via close and detailed textual analysis. This is especially important in order to avoid anachronistic interpretations. Second, it means that I have let Hobbes speak without interruption. I play close attention, therefore, not only to what Hobbes says but also to all he says. Consequently, I pay close attention to letters of dedication, epistle dedicatories, and prefaces provided by Hobbes. The second principle that has guided the formation of my interpretation is that the context in which Hobbes wrote should be appealed to in order to understand the nature of the problem to which Hobbes was responding and his discussion of method. It is important to understand the religious/political controversy prevalent in Hobbes' day and the methodological controversy caused by the Ramistic theory of the trivium. ;The significant results of my interpretation are that Leviathan is a "hortative", that a more complete understanding of Leviathan requires a consideration of the rhetorical dimension of Hobbes' "method", and that such understanding is accomplished through the recognition of Hobbes' use of analogical argumentation. I conclude that until agreement concerning the general meaning of analogical arguments is secured varying interpretations about the relationship between Hobbes' political philosophy and Hobbes' religious views will arise