Thomas Hobbes was a prominent English philosopher best known for his groundbreaking work in political philosophy. His 1651 book "Leviathan" laid the foundation for numerous Western political philosophies, particularly those associated with social contract theory. Hobbes is renowned for his advocacy of absolutism for the sovereign, while simultaneously contributing to the development of European liberal thought. Beyond political philosophy, Hobbes also made significant contributions to various fields, including history, geometry, the physics of gases, theology, ethics, general philosophy, and political science. His views on human nature, which emphasize self-interested cooperation, have remained influential in the field of philosophical anthropology. Hobbes was also among the early proponents of materialism in philosophy, shaping subsequent discussions in metaphysics and epistemology.