Here's why:
* Mechanistic Materialism: This philosophy believes that the universe, including human beings, is made up of matter and that all phenomena can be explained through the laws of physics. There are no supernatural or spiritual forces at play.
* Hobbes's Argument: Hobbes argued that human beings are essentially machines, driven by their desires and fears. He believed that our thoughts and actions are ultimately determined by our physical bodies and the environment we live in. This approach is fundamentally materialistic and mechanistic.
* Impact on Philosophy: Hobbes's ideas had a profound impact on the development of Western philosophy. They challenged traditional religious views of human nature and paved the way for later thinkers like John Locke and David Hume, who further explored the implications of materialism.
While Leviathan is a complex work, it's fair to say that Hobbes's view of human nature as fundamentally materialistic and mechanistic was a major theme throughout the book.
