thomas hobbes (1588-1679) moral and political philosopher theorist of absolute rule, the...

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)

• Moral and political philosopher

• Theorist of absolute rule, the disintegration of social and political order.

• Author of The Leviathan (1651) and The Behemoth (1668; published in 1681 posthumously)

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658)

• Political and military leader of Parliamentary forces against Charles I

• Limited measures for religious toleration

• Conflicts with Scotland and Ireland

• Opposition to his rule: Levellers, Diggers, Quakers, Fifth Monarchy Men

• Lord Protector (1653-1658) -- martial law and puritanical rule

• Restoration of the monarchy, 1660

John Locke (1632-1704)

• English social and political philosopher

• Author of Two Treatises of Government (1680) and A Letter Concerning Toleration (1685)

• Major intellectual contributions to Western Civilization:

* argument for the separation of church and state

* concept of “civil society”

* subjective understanding of religious faith

Documents