Hobbes, Locke, and Confusion's Masterpiece: An Examination of Seventeenth-Century Political Philosophy

by Ross Harrison

Book Overview

In this major 2003 study of the foundations of modern political theory the eminent political philosopher Ross Harrison explains, analyzes, and criticizes the work of Hobbes, Locke, and their contemporaries. He provides a full account of the turbulent historical background that shaped the political, intellectual, and religious content of this philosophy. The book explores such questions as the limits of political authority and the relation of the legitimacy...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 052101719X
• ISBN13: 9780521017190
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Brilliant exposition and critical discussion

This is an excellent explication and critical discussion of the main themes in Hobbes's and Locke's political philosophy. Harrison sets up the intellectual background very well, in terms of such issues as skepticism, natural law, and the problem of political authority, and draws illuminating connections and comparisons with other philosophers such as Grotius and Pufendorf. Harrison usefully brings in other texts by Hobbes and Locke to shed light on the major concepts. His interpretations are convincing and philosophically acute, and get to the heart of the matter. Highly recommended.

Best comparison of Hobbes and Locke I've read

Harrison does a great job of putting Hobbes and Locke into comparative perspective. This makes it easier to understand both philosophers' concept of the state of nature and the social contract. Moreover, the book adds in material about contemporaries such as Filmer, Hooker, and Grotius which places the thought of Hobbes and Locke in the context of the intellectual history of the times. Whatever the merits of Harrison's conclusions, the process of getting there is engaging and enlightening.