Ahh. Found the realist in this thread. Leviathan isn't really taken too seriously these days in political philosophy although its taught extensively because its a great introduction and his influence is wide. Hobbes bases his argument on premises that are dubious at best. (Men and women being solitary, miserably brutal existence until society gave them order) His conclusions are also extreme in that he concludes we will enter into the social contract and resign any semblance of freedom other than our right to preserve our own lives at any cost. He also goes to extreme lengths to justify his premises and conclusions based on the bible which is interesting if not a very modern approach to political philosophy. Max Weber is an interesting read if you want something a little more modern. John Simmons is another one to check out.
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