Understanding the Author of the Famous Book Leviathan

The question asks about the author of the renowned book 'Leviathan'. This work is a cornerstone of Western political philosophy and is widely studied for its ideas on the social contract and the structure of society and legitimate government.

Let's look at the options provided:

• John Locke: John Locke was another influential English philosopher, but his major works include 'Two Treatises of Government', not 'Leviathan'. He is known for his ideas on natural rights and limited government.
• Thomas Hobbes: Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher, widely considered one of the founders of modern political philosophy. His 1651 book, 'Leviathan or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Common Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil', is his most famous work. It argues for a social contract and rule by an absolute sovereign.
• Russo: This is likely referring to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a Genevan philosopher whose works like 'The Social Contract' are significant in political philosophy. However, he did not write 'Leviathan'.
• John Rawls: John Rawls was an American philosopher known for his work on political philosophy, particularly his book 'A Theory of Justice'. He is a much later figure than the author of 'Leviathan'.

Identifying the Writer of Leviathan

Based on historical facts and the study of political thought, the book 'Leviathan' was written by Thomas Hobbes. This book is a profound exploration of the structure of society and legitimate government and remains highly influential in discussions about political philosophy and the concept of the social contract.

Thomas Hobbes and His Contribution

Thomas Hobbes is credited with writing 'Leviathan'. His work describes a state of nature where life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short," leading individuals to enter into a social contract to escape this state by transferring some rights to a sovereign power. The book 'Leviathan' derives its name from the biblical sea monster, which Hobbes uses as a metaphor for the state, a powerful entity necessary to maintain order.

Understanding the historical context and the key figures in the history of political thought helps in identifying the author of important works like 'Leviathan'. Thomas Hobbes's contribution to political philosophy through 'Leviathan' is undeniable.