In the Shadow of Leviathan: John Locke and the Politics of Conscience

Thomas Hobbes and John Locke's intertwined careers during the Restoration period are explored in Jeffrey R. Collins' book, In the Shadow of Leviathan. It argues that Hobbesian thought influenced Locke's gradual emancipation from it, leading to modern liberal thinking about toleration. The book investigates landmark events that forced Locke to confront the limits of politique toleration and devise an account of religious freedom as an inalienable right.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 458 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, two influential figures in political thought, are often overlooked in common historical accounts. This book delves into their intertwined careers during the Restoration period, when the two men were closely connected and involved in numerous political conflicts. By utilizing fresh source material, In the Shadow of Leviathan establishes the profound influence of Hobbesian thought on Locke, particularly in the realm of religious toleration. Through his exploration of Hobbes's forgotten case for prudent, political toleration granted by sovereign power, Jeffrey R. Collins argues that Locke's gradual emancipation from this Hobbesian mindset transformed modern liberal thinking about toleration. This book investigates pivotal events such as the civil war, Restoration, the popish plot, and the Revolution of 1688, which compelled Locke to confront the limitations of politique toleration and develop an account of religious freedom as an inalienable right.

Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, two influential figures in political thought, are often overlooked in common historical accounts. This book delves into their intertwined careers during the Restoration period, when the two men were closely connected and involved in numerous political conflicts. By utilizing fresh source material, In the Shadow of Leviathan establishes the profound influence of Hobbesian thought on Locke, particularly in the realm of religious toleration. Through his exploration of Hobbes's forgotten case for prudent, political toleration granted by sovereign power, Jeffrey R. Collins argues that Locke's gradual emancipation from this Hobbesian mindset transformed modern liberal thinking about toleration. This book investigates pivotal events such as the civil war, Restoration, the popish plot, and the Revolution of 1688, which compelled Locke to confront the limitations of politique toleration and develop an account of religious freedom as an inalienable right.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 153 x 231 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108746229