Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679)

Abstract

It is 1675. Thomas Hobbes is sitting on a bench in the gardens at Chatsworth, the country house of the Cavendish family, by whom he has for decades been employed as a tutor, secretary and intellectual. Hobbes has just returned from his daily walk when he customarily does his initial thinking for the day. He is 87 years old and remarkably spry for his age. His mental capacities remain as sharp as ever, and his tongue, renowned for its droll wit, but also prone to giving vent to his exasperation at misunderstandings of his position, is likely even sharper. As he enjoys the warmth, a modern scholar (MS) appears, asking if he may join him in conversation. Showing his customary civility, Hobbes chooses to humour his visitor, granting an interview and ignoring his guest’s absurd claim that he comes from the future.