Hobbes: A Guide for the Perplexed

Guides for the Perplexed

by Stephen J. Finn

Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to fathom, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material. Thomas Hobbes is one of the foremost British philosophers; his Leviathan stands as one of the most important single works in the history of political philosophy, and any student of philosophy will be required to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of Hobbes. A Guide for the Perplexed is the ideal resource for any student wishing to really engage with, and develop a sound understanding of, the work of this major philosopher. The text systematically covers all those areas of philosophy where Hobbes is a key metaphysics; epistemology; moral philosophy; political philosophy; the philosophy of religion. It explores Hobbes's philosophical method in depth and offers a valuable account of the historical background to Hobbes's thought. Most valuably for the student reader, this book actively promotes philosophical inquiry and interpretation. In setting out the different interpretations of Hobbes, the text requires the reader to evaluate their respective merits on the basis of the evidence provided. A Guide for the Perplexed, then, is both a philosophically rigorous introduction to Hobbes and an excellent primer in philosophical method, inquiry and debate.

Genres: Philosophy

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2007

Reviews

[Somayeh Fatemi]

از کتاب آقای دیهیمی بهتر بود و مستند تر. اما نه در حد ۵ ستاره. حال برم سراغ کتاب آقای آذرفام.

[Logan MacDonald]

Proud to be the 4th person to review this book

[Caleb]

This book provides an excellent thematic introduction to Hobbes. After an Introduction, there are chapters on epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and political theory. One particular strong point of the book is the way that the author explicitly notes rival interpretative stances and presents texts that seem to support differing readings. It is suitable both for beginners with little to no philosophical knowledge and for anyone interested in a broad understanding of Hobbes's philosophical project.

[Rebeccah Leiby]

Guides for the Perplexed can be a bit hit or miss, in my experience, but this was really excellent insofar as it guides the reader carefully through the interpretative mission of reading historical texts. /Leviathan/ is challenging for students, and I appreciate that Finn invites them to think alongside him rather than just summarizing his own view for them. I'm thinking of ways I might be able to integrate this book into my future political philosophy classes.

[Molsa Roja(s)]

És un llibre molt lleuger, però molt bo sobre Hobbes, amb una claríssima voluntat didàctica i pleníssim de cites sobre la seva obra sencera.