Thomas Hobbes left behind writings that immortalized his name. He was a just man, famous for his scholarship both in England and far beyond the borders of his homeland. Even enemies and scientific opponents considered Hobbes a whole person, admiring his powerful intellect and remarkable wit.
From the biography of Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes was born in 1588 in England, in Gloucestershire. The father of the future philosopher was a parish priest, rather hot-tempered and not too educated. Hobbes was brought up in the family of his uncle. At the age of 15, Thomas entered the University of Oxford. He graduated from his studies in 1608. Having received a brilliant education at that time, Hobbes was well versed in ancient literature, knew the main languages.
In 1610, Hobbes became the mentor of Lord Gardwig, descended from the aristocratic family of William Cavendish. Subsequently, his student became the patron of Hobbes. Rotating in aristocratic circles, Thomas made acquaintance with Francis Bacon, Ben Johnson, Herbert Charbersey. Hobbes traveled extensively in Italy, where in 1636 he met Galileo Galilei. In 1637 Hobbes returned to his native England.
Thomas Hobbes's views
The formation of Hobbes's views was influenced by Galileo, Descartes, Kepler, Gassendi.
Thomas Hobbes managed to create a complete system of materialism, which fully corresponded to the spirit of the times and the level of development of scientific knowledge of that era. Hobbes argued with Descartes, denying the existence of a thinking substance. The ideal models of scientific thinking for the philosopher were mechanics and geometry.
Hobbes represented nature as a collection of bodies with extension in space. However, Hobbes's materialism was mechanistic. For example, he understood motion only as the movement of bodies in space.
The philosopher also contributed to the development of epistemology: he distinguished between two methods of cognition - logical deduction and induction.
Thomas Hobbes is also known as the creator of the "contractual" theory of the state. He believed that the state is the result of a special agreement between people who were originally created equal. The tasks of the state include ensuring the safety of citizens and peace in society. Hobbes believed that the church and religion must be subordinated to the state.
Thomas Hobbes in his declining years
Glory came to Hobbes after the publication of his philosophical works. But he was famous and also known as a historian and poet. However, Hobbes was forbidden to publish works on the most burning topics. Therefore, he began to devote more time to historical research. When the philosopher was already over 80 years old, he wrote an autobiography in Latin, using a poetic form in this work. After that, for some time he was engaged in work in the field of translation, trying to find an application for his strength in such creativity.
In 1679, the thinker learned that he was terminally ill. This news did not impress Hobbes. He allowed himself and others to joke about his imminent death. And he even allowed his friends to compose funeral epitaphs in his address. Hobbes passed away on December 4, 1679 in Derbyshire.
