(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2019-05)
Allen, Jeffrey
The purpose of this work is to facilitate a better understanding of how Thomas
Hobbes’ interest in geometry and physics influenced his understanding of moral and
political philosophy. He begins with sensation as a foundation, and builds a systematic
structure for understanding the human condition and commonwealth. Since the
Hobbesian laws of nature act as intermediaries between the state of nature and the nature
of the state, they serve as the starting point for this work. Illustrative anecdotes are taken
from Hobbes’ Behemoth and his translation of Thucydides’ Peloponnesian War. The laws
are then resolved to their foundation. To understand Hobbes’ philosophy, it is important
to understand the significant influence that geometry and physics had on his overall
philosophical method. As such, this work aims to render in a resolutive fashion the
Hobbesian laws of nature, so that their connection to the motion of physical bodies may
be better understood.