Graduation Year

2025

Date of Submission

12-2024

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Government

Reader 1

Mark Blitz

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

2025 Janelle N Haley

Abstract

For my thesis I chose to write about the best for of government, in my opinion. I chose to write about this topic because I am a government major and this is a topic that interest me. In my thesis I write about Thomas Hobbes political phiolosphy, refrencing his book the Leviathan to do so. I give a little background on Thomas Hobbes life because I believe it is important for understanding his argument. I also mention the state of the environment he lived in while writing the Leviathan, to also give insight to why he formed the opinions he did. Thomas Hobbes is a very influential and popular philosopher when it comes to the topic of government. For years and years many people, educator and philosophers alike, have debated Hobbes and his political theory. I am no different, in my thesis I highlight central themes in Hobbes political argument. I talk about the state of nature, the state of war, the social contract, the Leviathan, and the right of the sovereign. I use these central themes to explain away Thomas Hobbes political theory for government. In doing so I highlight key quotes that support my explanations.

Once I finish dissecting Thomas Hobbes political theory, as its described in his text, the Leviathan, I talk about the next philosopher, Confucius. Confucius was also a very influential philosopher, especially in China. I give some background to his importance and Confucinism. The reason I briefly mention Confucious because of a couple of central theories in his argument for political theory. I use his work, the Analects, which is a compilation of his teachings prepared by his disciples to do so. Thomas Hobbes’ political theory, paired with a key aspect of Confucious political theory encompases my opinion for what the best form of government is.

This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

Share

COinS