Question 17 (Multiple Choice, Worth 5 points)

What was the major contribution of Thomas Hobbes to the early Enlightenment?

A. Hobbes's idea led many Enlightenment figures to favor political revolution.
B. Enlightenment thinkers sought to create governments based on social contract theory.
C. Hobbes's idea led many Enlightenment philosophers to abandon religious belief.
D. Because of Hobbes, Enlightenment thinkers generally assumed that human nature is neutral.

Question 18 (Multiple Choice, Worth 5 points)

(No question text provided)



Answer :

Final answer:

Thomas Hobbes's major contribution was his idea of the social contract and the need for a strong central authority to prevent chaos and ensure order in society.


Explanation:

Thomas Hobbes's major contribution to the early Enlightenment was his idea of the social contract and the necessity of a strong central authority to maintain peace and order. He argued that in a state of nature, humans would engage in a constant war of all against all, leading to chaos and insecurity.

Through his work Leviathan, Hobbes emphasized the importance of individuals surrendering some of their rights to a powerful sovereign in exchange for protection and stability. His ideas influenced later Enlightenment thinkers and contributed to the development of political theory regarding the role of government and human nature.

Contrary to Rousseau's views on the consent of the governed, Hobbes believed in a more authoritarian form of governance where absolute power was necessary to prevent disorder and maintain social harmony.


Learn more about Thomas Hobbes and the Social Contract Theory