Leviathan

"Leviathan" is a term that primarily refers to a book written by the philosopher Thomas Hobbes in 1651. In it, Hobbes argues that a strong central authority, or sovereign, is necessary to prevent disorder and chaos in society. He believes that humans, driven by self-interest, would act violently without a powerful government to keep them in check. The title "Leviathan" symbolizes this authority, akin to a giant sea creature, emphasizing the state's capacity for control and protection. The ideas in "Leviathan" significantly influenced political theory and the development of social contract theory.