A close study of Hobbes introduction to his translation of Thucydides confirms the view that fundamental aspects of Hobbes anthropology antedate his adoption of the «geometric method». The «humanist» appeal to an ancient authority barely conceals his anticlassical, one may say antiphilosophical, bias. Depending on their «degree» or social standing Hobbes assigns men specific degrees of «virtue». What «honour» is to the few and excellent, «honesty» is to the multitude. Though social cohesion depends on the latter it is the former that ultimately safeguards society. Thus, the exercise of the lower mode of «virtue» Is dependent upon its higher counterpart. Hobbes accordingly delineates in the introduction to Thucydides a paedagogic goal that in effect replaces the classical imitation of Socrates by the imitation of William Cavendish, Earl of Devonshire
Humanities and the Arts ▶ Philosophy, Ethics and Religion Philosophy
(EN)
Academy of Athens
