Parent Guide > Excerpts from "Leviathan"
Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.
This week in class, we’re reading "Excerpts from "Leviathan"" by Thomas Hobbes.
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1697) was an English philosopher, best known for his political philosophy. In this famous work, Hobbes discusses the concept of the "social contract," the idea that humans benefit from a common rule of law; otherwise, they fall into disorder and violence. In social contract theory, Hobbes proposes that humans consent to surrender some of their freedoms in order to secure their remaining rights.
As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Justice, Freedom & Equality and War & Peace as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :
"Which is more important: freedom or security?" and "How can we achieve peace?"
Ways to support your child:
-
Ask your child about this political theory at home:
- What was "Excerpts from "Leviathan"" about?
- What did you learn about Justice, Freedom & Equality?
- What did you learn about War & Peace?
- Watch Do We Need Government? (The Social Contract) – 8-Bit Philosophy at home with your child.