Year 8 - Religious education
The philosophy and beliefs of Thomas Hobbes
Religion and politics in the Enlightenment: How were they aligned?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit there is a choice. Through a social science lens, pupils consider how psychologists analyse the phenomenon of religion. Or they may study the flowering of philosophy at the time of the Enlightenment through a depth study of Hobbes and Rousseau and their ideas of religion and society.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain who Thomas Hobbes was, his context, and why his religious views were considered controversial.
Key Notes
- Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher who lived during the Renaissance and Enlightenment period.
- He is most famous for his political philosophy and his 1651 book, 'Leviathan'.
- Hobbes provided a cosmological argument for the existence of God, saying that God is "the first cause of all causes".
- There is debate about what Hobbes' religious views were as he held some contradicting views.
- One example of this contradiction is that he denies the existence of a soul but accepts the existence of God.
Vocabulary To Learn
- cosmological argument: an argument that attempts to prove God's existence as the first cause of the universe.
- 'Leviathan': a book by Thomas Hobbes that argues for a strong authority to maintain order in society
- materialism: the belief that everything, including thoughts and emotions, arises from physical matter
- sovereign: a supreme ruler
- Thomas Hobbes: an English philosopher (1588–1679) known for his political philosophy
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Hobbes rejected all religious beliefs.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher who lived during the Renaissance and Enlightenment period. He is most famous for his political philosophy and his 1651 book, 'Leviathan'.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'cosmological argument'
an argument that attempts to prove God's existence as the first cause of the universe.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Hobbes rejected all religious beliefs. Correction: Hobbes did not reject religion outright. Instead, he argued that religious interpretations and practices should be subject to the authority of the sovereign for the sake of social order.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Analysing 'The Social Contract' by Rousseau Study Guide
- Interaction between religious, philosophical and political belief Study Guide
- Renaissance and Enlightenment: religion and thought Study Guide
- The philosophy and beliefs of Jean-Jacques Rousseau Study Guide
- The state of nature and social contracts Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 8 Religious education guide library.