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Leviathan · Character

Plato

Greek philosopher, founder of the Academy, frequently referenced in political theory.

minor

First appearance: part i of man

Plato shows up with force in Of the Kingdom of God by Nature. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Referenced for his opinion that sovereigns must be philosophers; Hobbes contrasts his own view that natural justice is the only necessary science.
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In Of the Kingdom of God by Nature: Referenced for his opinion that sovereigns must be philosophers; Hobbes contrasts his own view that natural justice is the only necessary science. Later, in XLVI: Of Darkness from…

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See Plato in part i of man

Character Web

4 connections

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ARAristotleCICiceroLULukeMEMercuryPLPlato

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Historical and theological exemplars

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it reveals the sovereign's right to punish is not a gift from subj…

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Plato appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See Plato in part i of man