Written by Machiavelli in 1517, published posthumously in 1531. Contains dedication letter and three books with 142 numbered chapters. Focuses on first ten books of Livy's History of Rome
Published in 1651, Leviathan discusses society and government structure. Title references biblical Leviathan, chosen for its provocative nature. Written during English Civil War, advocating absolute sovereign rule
Western political thought traces origins to ancient Greece and Athenian democracy. Confucius in China emphasized hierarchical governance and meritocracy. Chanakya in India provided practical advice on government management
Social contract theory concerns state authority legitimacy over individuals. Individuals consent to surrender freedoms for protection of remaining rights. Term named after Rousseau's 1762 book "The Social Contract"
Democracy produces better laws and policies through responsiveness and epistemic theories. Democracy improves citizens' character through autonomy and rationality. Economic justifications focus on maximizing individual preferences through majority rule
Leviathan was published in 1651 as Hobbes's magnum opus. Influenced Locke, Rousseau, and Kant through social-contract framework. Rejected Aristotle's claim that humans are naturally suited to politics