jan 20, 1651 - 'Leviathan', Thomas Hobbes

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Starts from the materialistic premise that man is influenced by the motion of external objects, which account for his sensations and thoughts. Since he has no soul, he is devoid of free will and in a state of nature, is governed by his desires and aversions. He is therefore naturally selfish and needs to be controlled to prevent a state of anarchy and civil war. Through a social contract, or Covenant, men should delegate their rights to a sovereign or an assembly with absolute power (the Leviathan), who must be obeyed unconditionnaly

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