Leviathan

<p><strong><em>Leviathan</em></strong> is a foundational work of political philosophy in which Hobbes argues that human beings in their natural state live in constant fear and conflict-a war of all against all. To escape this chaos individuals collectively agree to surrender some of their freedoms to a sovereign authority creating a <strong>social contract</strong>. This sovereign-whether a monarch or an assembly-must hold absolute power to maintain peace and prevent a return to disorder. Hobbes also explores human psychology religion and the nature of civil society ultimately insisting that strong centralized authority is essential for social stability.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>