Seminar: The Political Philosophy of Hobbes

A comprehensive examination of Hobbes's political thought through detailed study of his theory of human nature and the main political works, The Elements of Law, De Cive, and Leviathan. The seminar will consider Hobbes's alleged atheism and relativism, the role of the state of nature and of fear in his political theory, his views on the sources of conflict and his proposed remedies, as well as the implications of his theory for international relations.