Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, Chapter 1 summary
Chapter 1 of 65 · Part 1: Of Man · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, the narrator explains that every thought begins in sense, which arises when external objects press on bodily organs and produce inward motion and outward resistance. He distinguishes objects from their appearances and challenges university doctrines that explain perception and understanding through species.
What happens
- The narrator begins with individual thoughts and identifies sense as the source of every conception.
- External objects press on sensory organs, transmitting motion inward and producing an outward resistance that appears external.
- Light, sound, and other perceived qualities are appearances caused by motion, not qualities existing in objects as perceived.
- Glasses and echoes show that an object and its perceived appearance can occupy different places.
- The narrator challenges university explanations involving species and identifies meaningless language as something requiring reform.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Léviathan de Thomas Hobbes, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this chapter
Quick check
What causes sense according to the narrator?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Léviathan de Thomas Hobbes, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
