Science is “the knowledge of Consequences” and is the “true Mother” of the arts and philosophy, mostly mathematics. However, since science is brought to light by the imagination of another, it has very little power. Some signs within science are certain and factual, while others are not, as the knowledge that comes from prudence is always uncertain. An ignorance of science and the natural causes of events can lead a person to rely too much on other people’s opinions or attribute supernatural causes to natural events. Hobbes warns that power can never be maintained through the suppression of science and reason.
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Science Term Timeline in Leviathan
The timeline below shows where the term Science appears in Leviathan. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
The Introduction
...their self, but all of humankind, and doing so is more difficult than learning any science or language.
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Chapter 5: Of Reason, and Science
...The knowledge of the consequences of one name in relation to another is known as science. Sense and memory are the knowledge of facts; however, science “is the knowledge of Consequences.”...
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Chapter 7: Of the Ends, or Resolutions of Discourse
...discourse begins with defined words, builds on connections between definitions, and ends with a conclusion. Science is the conditional knowledge drawn from such discourse, but if the discourse is not grounded...
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Chapter 8: Of the VERTUES commonly called INTELLECTUAL: and their contrary DEFECTS
...method. Acquired wit is grounded in the correct use of speech and definitions and produces science. Different wits are caused by different passions, and from different passions come different bodies and...
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Chapter 9: Of the Severall Subjects of Knowledge
...of the Consequence of one Affirmation to another,” and this knowledge is conditional and includes science.
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...recording of the history of human beings and their actions in common-wealths. This collection of science, which includes books that contain “Demonstrations of Consequences of one Affirmation, to another” are known...
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Chapter 10: Of Power, Worth, Dignity, Honour, and Worthinesse
...and jealousy. One’s reputation is power, and so is love for one’s country, but the sciences are “small Power.” Arts for public use and defense, such as the production of engines...
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Actions coming from experience, discretion, wit, and science are honorable, as each of these are a form of power. Actions that come from...
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Chapter 11: Of the difference of Manners
...ambition. Timidity disposes one to indecision, but eloquence implies wisdom and kindness. An ignorance of science and the causes of events can lead one to rely too much on other people’s...
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Chapter 13: Of the Naturall Condition of Mankind, as concerning their Felicity, and Misery
...nature, there is no industry, no certainty, and no culture. There is no knowledge of science, letters, or arts, and there is no accounting of time. In nature, there is only...
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Chapter 15: Of other Lawes of Nature
...“it can never be that Warre (war) shall preserve life, and peace destroy it.” The science of these laws and the study of what is good and evil in civil society...
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Chapter 47: Of the BENEFIT that proceedeth from such Darknesse, and to whom it accreweth
Power cannot be maintained by suppression of science and reason, nor can it be maintained by obscure language or holy frauds. From the...
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