Publisher's Synopsis
""The Elements of Law Natural and Politic"" is a philosophical treatise written by Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher and political theorist, in the mid-17th century. The book is divided into two parts, the first of which deals with natural law and the second with civil law. Hobbes argues that individuals in a state of nature are inherently selfish and driven by their own desires, which leads to a constant state of war. He believes that the only way to escape this state is to form a social contract and establish a sovereign authority. In the first part of the book, Hobbes explores the concept of natural law, which he defines as the laws of nature that govern human behavior. He argues that these laws are based on reason and that they dictate that individuals should act in a way that promotes their own self-preservation. Hobbes also discusses the role of reason in understanding natural law and how it can be used to establish a just society.The second part of the book focuses on civil law, which Hobbes sees as the means by which a sovereign authority can enforce the laws of nature. He argues that civil law is necessary to prevent individuals from acting on their selfish desires and to ensure that everyone is treated fairly under the law. Hobbes also discusses the role of the sovereign in enforcing civil law and maintaining order in society.Overall, ""The Elements of Law Natural and Politic"" is an important work in the history of political philosophy. It provides a compelling argument for the necessity of a strong central government and the importance of establishing a just social contract. Hobbes' ideas have influenced political thought for centuries and continue to be relevant today.And every of these conceptions is pleasure present. And first for the pleasures of the body which affect the sense of touch and taste, as far forth as they be organical, their conception is sense; so also is the pleasure of all exonerations of nature; all which passions I have before named sensual pleasures; and their contraries, sensual pains; to which also may be added the pleasures and displeasures of odours, if any of them shall be found organical, which for the most part they are not.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
