Thomas Hobbes Biography and Timeline

Birth of Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes is born at Westport near Malmesbury in Wiltshire.

Magdalen Hall Oxford

Hobbes studies at Magdalen Hall, Oxford.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Hobbes receives his Bachelor of Arts degree after study at Magdalen Hall, Oxford.

Tutor to William Cavendish

Hobbes becomes tutor to William Cavendish, beginning his long association with the Cavendish family.

First Continental Grand Tour

Hobbes travels through France, Germany and Italy with William Cavendish, broadening his knowledge of European culture and scholarship.

Role range: 1610-1615

Work with Francis Bacon

Hobbes works for a time as a secretary and amanuensis for Francis Bacon.

Translation of Thucydides

Hobbes publishes an English translation of Thucydides.

Short Tract on First Principles

Around this time Hobbes composes the Short Tract on First Principles, an early statement of mechanical ideas.

Tutor to the Third Earl of Devonshire

Hobbes returns to Cavendish service as tutor to the young William Cavendish, later third Earl of Devonshire.

Second Cavendish Grand Tour

Hobbes begins another extended continental journey with the young William Cavendish.

Role range: 1634-1636

Contact with Marin Mersenne

Hobbes enters the scientific and philosophical circle around Marin Mersenne in Paris.

Encounter with Galileo's Circle

During his Italian travels Hobbes engages with the new mechanical science associated with Galileo.

De Mirabilibus Pecci

Hobbes publishes the Latin poem De Mirabilibus Pecci on the wonders of the Peak District.

Return from Continental Tour

Hobbes returns to England after his extended continental travels with the Cavendish household.

Comments on Descartes Discourse and Optics

Hobbes sends Marin Mersenne comments on works by Rene Descartes, beginning a direct philosophical exchange.

Departure for Paris in Political Crisis

As political conflict deepens in England, Hobbes leaves for Paris and remains on the Continent for more than a decade.

Elements of Law

Hobbes circulates The Elements of Law, Natural and Politic.

Third Objections to Descartes Meditations

Hobbes's objections are published with Descartes's Meditations, setting out major disagreements over mind, matter and method.

Private First Edition of De Cive

A small private edition of De Cive is printed in Paris as the political section of Hobbes's projected Elements of Philosophy.

De Cive

Hobbes publishes De Cive, developing his theory of political obligation.

Critique of Thomas Whites De Mundo

Hobbes develops a detailed critique of Thomas White's De Mundo, engaging questions of physics and metaphysics.

Tractatus Opticus

Hobbes completes a Latin optical treatise associated with his work in Mersenne's scientific circle.

A Minute or First Draught of the Optiques

Hobbes prepares A Minute or First Draught of the Optiques, his most developed treatment of optics.

Mathematics Tutor to Prince Charles

Hobbes becomes mathematics tutor to the exiled Prince Charles, the future Charles II.

Role range: 1646-1648

Revised De Cive Edition

A revised and more widely distributed edition of De Cive is published with a new preface and notes.

Prince Charles Tutoring

Hobbes's period as mathematics tutor to Prince Charles ends when the prince leaves Paris.

Answer to Davenants Preface

Hobbes publishes his Answer to Sir William Davenant's Preface before Gondibert.

De Corpore Politico Published

De Corpore Politico, drawn from the political part of the Elements of Law, is published.

Human Nature Published

Human Nature, derived from the first part of Hobbes's Elements of Law, is published.

Philosophical Rudiments Concerning Government and Society

An English version of De Cive appears as Philosophical Rudiments Concerning Government and Society.

Return to England after Paris Exile

Hobbes returns to England late in the year after the publication of Leviathan.

Leviathan

Hobbes publishes Leviathan.

Return to Cavendish Household

Hobbes again settles into the Cavendish household, where he spends much of the remainder of his life.

Of Liberty and Necessity

Of Liberty and Necessity is published from Hobbes's debate with Bishop John Bramhall.

De Corpore

Hobbes publishes De Corpore.

English Elements of Philosophy Concerning Body

An English version of De Corpore appears as Elements of Philosophy, The First Section, Concerning Body.

Questions Concerning Liberty Necessity and Chance

Hobbes publishes The Questions Concerning Liberty, Necessity and Chance in his continuing controversy with Bramhall.

Six Lessons to the Professors of Mathematics

Hobbes publishes Six Lessons to the Professors of Mathematics in the University of Oxford.

Stigmai Against John Wallis

Hobbes publishes Stigmai, attacking the mathematical and philosophical criticisms of John Wallis.

De Homine

Hobbes publishes De Homine.