Most discussions of Hobbes’ political thought give the impression that his most significant contribution to political theory is the contractual nature of the commonwealth. However, adopting this perspective risks overlooking Hobbes’ political theology. In Leviathan, politics assumes the classical role of religion as the defining force of the cultural horizon. Political theology legitimizes the sovereign not only politically but also culturally.
Menachem Lorberbaum is an Israeli professor who has served as chair of the School of Philosophy and as vice-Dean at Tel Aviv University. His scholarship focuses on the formation of political and theological discourse and their interaction. A central theme in his work is the effort to develop a new political language for the modern Jewish politics.
