Abstract

Hobbes was the first modern philosopher to use the same method and the same conception of knowledge in both the theoretical and the practical philosophy. His methodologically unified conception of scientific philosophy is based on the analytical method of the Paduan School. The paper begins with a reconstruction of Hobbes' methodology and the implicite generative and constructive conception of knowledge. The second part analysizes the consequences of the geometric method for the Hobbesian epistemology and his philosophy of nature. It turns out that in theoretical contexts the geometric method functions quasitranscendentally. The final part then shows that Hobbes* methodological self-interpretation can also serve as a reliable guide through its practical philosophy and that it is very useful when dealing with the notorious problems of interpretation regarding the Leviathan taking into account the methodology of the philosopher