Leviathan

All,

I have made numerous references to the Leviathan as a body-politic, and to the frontispiece of the original publication. Given that Hobbes understands the Leviathan--and its representation on the frontispiece of his work--not as a metaphor or simile but as an actual description of the body-politic itself, I figured I ought to provide you with the illustration itself. Hopefully it will come through in enough detail such that you can make out the sides. This is probably the most appropriate, relevant, and effective frontispiece I have ever seen on a text. The content of the sides is very intentional, and should make great sense given your reading. When looking at it, you should think of the Iliad, and the famous shield of Achilles forged by Hephaestus. Hobbes has done something similar with his cover, insofar as he has here represented the entire world of the Commonwealth--including the City at Peace and the City at War (or, as Hobbes would write, "Warre"). On the right are the instruments of the ergon (work) of logos, insofar as this word means both speech and spirit. On the left are the instruments of the ergon of thumos, insofar as this word represents the passions of men (i.e., the attractions and aversions of the self which lead to and/or prevent the State of Nature).

NB: I provide this extended explanation of the Shield for those of you who did not have me for 101. I'm confident that those of you who did are completely aware and capable of disserting on this stunning passage, given that I am such a great teacher--and so obviously relatively fit.

Cheers,

-W.