De Cive

De Cive (lat. About the citizen) is the short title of the major works of Thomas Hobbes. This font was in the first edition of 1642 the title Elementorum philosophiae sectio tertia de cive. The later editions had the title Elementa philosophica de cive.

Formation

The original title refers to Hobbes's intention to publish the book as the third part of his philosophical system of " Elementa Philosophiae ", which is also the system components " De corpore " ( from the body) and " De homine " should include ( Man ). The later title goes back to a proposal of Hobbes's publisher, who suggested from economic considerations, hide the system reference. Political unrest compelled Hobbes first to write De Cive, although this work seen systematically belongs to the circuit. It consists of three parts: Libertas ( freedom ), Imperium ( dominion ) and Religio ( religion).

Content

In the first part, Hobbes describes the state of nature in which man finds himself at first, and the law of nature, which has no ethical basis for Hobbes, but indicates only how to act optimally ( self-interest ) (Chapter II, § 1). In the second part, he justified the need to establish a stable government in the interests of all individuals. In the last part the most important assertions with theological arguments are substantiated.

Expenditure

The book was published in 1642 in Latin, in 1647 followed by a revised and expanded version, in which Hobbes in some comments on objections of his critics reply. An English translation, which was made without Hobbes ' involvement, was first released in 1651 under the title Philosophicall Rudiments Concerning Government and Society. Previously, in 1649 a French translation under the title " " Elemens philosophiqves du citoyen. Traicte politiqve, où de la Societé Civile Les Fondements sont decouverts " ( Translator: Samuel Sorbiere ) published.