Thomas Hobbes’ Political Theory and the Reformed Theology Cover Image

Teoria polityczna Thomasa Hobbesa a teologia reformowana
Thomas Hobbes’ Political Theory and the Reformed Theology

Author(s): Lucyna Chmielewska
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: KSIĘGARNIA AKADEMICKA Sp. z o.o.
Keywords: Thomas Hobbes; covenant; Calvinism; natural law; state

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this article is to show the relationships of Hobbes’ political philosophy in Leviathan with the Reformed Theology, including the Covenant Theology. It is reasonable to claim that this philosophy was inspired by religious elements of Calvinism. Although Hobbes is classified as contractual thinker, however, in Leviathan he used the concept of covenant, but defined it as a contract. The concept of covenant is strongly associated with a moral sphere. In the political theory of Hobbes the covenant faithfulness is the basis for policy. The secular nature of Hobbes’ theory, in fact, is based on the moral ground.

  • Issue Year: 11/2014
  • Issue No: 32
  • Page Range: 111-128
  • Page Count: 18