The status of language in Thomas Hobbes' political philosophy

Abstract

Tomas Hobbes’ conception of language can not be described in common terms of conventionalism and nominalism. Language plays a very important role in the Hobbes’ thought, therefore, we should pay careful attention to it. What can the language says about distinction between natural and political philosophy? Has the sovereign the power over the language of his subjects? Can we distinguish the language in the commonwealth and the language in the natural state? Searching answers to these questions is important not only in the context of the history of philosophy, but allows us to include Hobbes’ ideas in modern political and philosophical discourse.