Hobbes: Absolutism a consequence of anthropological pessimism

Abstract

Hobbes’ thinking breaks radically with the philosophical tradition.
His theory of empirical knowledge plays a prominent role within his
reflections. Despite empiricism’s ties to democratic, political movements
and the seeds of subsequent liberalism found in several of his claims, Hobbes
is a political absolutist. This article reviews the anthropological and philosophical foundations of Hobbes’ political theory and suggests that his
theory is ultimately determined by his vision of human nature.