This was one of Hobbes’s last works, published in 1678, when he was 90 years old. I have used the Molesworth edition (EW VII), to which the page numbers in square brackets refer.

It was written in English, and I have translated it into modern English on the same principles as my translations from other languages. Its full title is 'Decameron Physiologicum, or Ten Dialogues of Natural Philosophy.' I don’t know why he chose to give a Latin title to an English work (he did the same with the English version of On the Citizen). The Latin title means ‘Ten days discussing physics.’

Although most of the dialogue is about specific problems in physics, the first two chapters are of a more general nature, summarising Hobbes views on the history of the relation between philosophy, science, and religion. The second chapter outlines his theory of philosophical method, and provides some basic axioms. Although the third chapter almost immediately delves into detailed arguments about the vacuum, the opening sentences are tremendously important for understanding Hobbes’s beliefs as to the nature of God.

Hobbes quite often wrote in dialogue form, and the interlocutors were invariably called simply A and B. Their relationship is never anatagonistic; rather, they are teacher and pupil. Although he always refers to Hobbes in the third person, B represents Hobbes’s position. A is less knowledgeable, but is eager to learn. He sometimes reflects ordinary opinion, but he also sometimes expresses views which Hobbes accepts.

Go to the Index to the Ten Dialogues