Family background of thomas hobbes

Thomas Hobbes  ©Hobbes was an English philosopher whose political philosophy dominated the 17th century and continues to have a major influence today.

Thomas Hobbes was born in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, on 5 April 1588, the son of a clergyman.

His father left the family in 1604 and never returned, so a wealthy uncle sponsored Hobbes' education at Oxford University.

In 1608, Hobbes became tutor to William Cavendish, later earl of Devonshire. The Cavendish family were to be Hobbes' patrons throughout his life.

Family background of thomas hobbes theory

In 1610, Cavendish and Hobbes travelled to Europe together, visiting Germany, France and Italy. After Cavendish died, Hobbes obtained another position but later became tutor to Cavendish's son. During these years he travelled to Europe twice more, meeting leading thinkers including the astronomer Galileo Galilei and the philosopher Rene Descartes.

In 1640, with England on the brink of civil war, the Royalist Hobbes fled to Paris, fearing the rea