Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) was an English philosopher and political theorist best known for *Leviathan* (1651), a foundational work of modern political philosophy. Born in Westport, Wiltshire, he was educated at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, and later served as tutor and secretary to the Cavendish family. Hobbes traveled in Europe and engaged with leading intellectual currents of his time, including the new science. During the turmoil of the English Civil Wars, he developed a stark account of human nature and political authority, arguing that peace requires a powerful sovereign established by social contract. He died in Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire.