Leviathan

Leviathan

by

Thomas Hobbes

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Leviathan makes teaching easy.
A sign is the consequence of an action that was previously observed. Signs that are less observed are less certain than those signs that are observed all the time. Prudence is the presumption of future events based on the experience of past signs.
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Sign Term Timeline in Leviathan

The timeline below shows where the term Sign appears in Leviathan. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 3: Of the Consequence or Trayne of Imaginations
Nature, War, and Civil Society   Theme Icon
Power, Common-wealths, and Monarchies Theme Icon
...is because those with the most experience have the “most Signes to guesse by.” A sign is a consequence of an action that was previously observed, and those signs that are... (full context)
Chapter 5: Of Reason, and Science
Nature, War, and Civil Society   Theme Icon
Reason, Fact, and Philosophy  Theme Icon
...and memory are the knowledge of facts; however, science “is the knowledge of Consequences.” Some signs within science are certain, others are not; however, all the signs of prudence are uncertain.   (full context)
Chapter 12: Of Religion
Power, Common-wealths, and Monarchies Theme Icon
Religion Theme Icon
...to be religious, it must also include a miracle. Wise people of sound judgement require signs to believe in any one argument, and in religion, that required sign is a miracle.... (full context)
Chapter 26: Of CIVILL LAWES
Power, Common-wealths, and Monarchies Theme Icon
...it is not enough that a law is written and known—there must also be some sign that said law comes directly from the sovereign power. A law must be “verified,” Hobbes... (full context)
Chapter 37: Of MIRACLES, and their Use
Religion Theme Icon
...prompted by God that causes admiration in others. The general purpose of miracles is to signify God’s commandment, and in scripture, miracles are often called signs. A miracle is rare, and... (full context)