Thomas Hobbes in verses

Abstract

Thomas Hobbes in the history of philosophy is remembered mostly by his particular theory of astate, represented in his capital work Leviathan. It is less known, however, that the philosopherfrom Malmesbury was interested in literature, studied classical poetry, and tried to write verses,as well. The aim of our work is to represent precisely that, little known part of his work. In sodoing, first we show his work on translations of classical greek literature. Then we present hisoriginal works in verses. Using historical-problematic approach, both kinds of works we show inthe light of the context of his life and special social circumstances of the time when he lived andworked. We also demonstrate the relationship between his verses and his philosophical thougt,where this relationship exist. Analysis of this works indicates, as well as the circumstances inwhich this works arose, that they were not artisticly motivated, but that they were the result ofthe author’s whish to improve his classical languages, and that they were the point of relaxation,too.