1. By: Cliff Koylass and Erfan Ehsan
Thomas Hobbes
By: Cliff Koylass and Erfan Ehsan

2. Background Information
Early Life and Education
Born at Westport, England on April
Studied at the University of Oxford
Considered to be one of the founders of modern political philosophy
Best known for 1651 book Leviathan, which proposed social contract theory
This theory served as a foundation for later political philosophy
Was accused of being an atheist
Considered to be one of the worst insults at the time
Died from a bladder disorder on December
“A great leap in the dark” were his last words

3. Main Ideas and Beliefs Legal Positivism Disliked Natural Law
People in power should handle laws
Authoritarian government is the best way to find peace
Disliked Natural Law
Pessimistic
Natural Law did not make sense
Social Contract Theory
Men trade freedom with government
Government provides peace, security, and rule of law
“No action can be unjust. But when a covenant (contract) is made, then to break it is unjust.”