Journal of Classical Sociology 13(1) 113–135 © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permission: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1468795X12473981 jcs.sagepub.com 473981JCS 13 1 10.1177/1468795X12473981Journal of Classical SociologyFilippov 2013 Corresponding author: Alexander F Filippov, National Research University Higher School of Economics, 20 Myasnitskaya str., 101000 Moscow, Russia. Email: filippovaf@gmail.com The other ‘Hobbes’ people’: An alternative reading of Hobbes Alexander F Filippov National Research University–Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia Abstract This paper argues that while Hobbes has been very influential in sociological thinking, in particular through the influence of Ferdinand Tönnies and Talcott Parsons, there is an important alternative reading of Hobbes that one might call the ‘real’ Hobbes, which has remained unknown to social theory. Because these classical readings of Hobbes still inform most social theory, sociologists are in effect trapped within them. Through a careful analysis of classic interpretations of Hobbes by Tönnies and Parsons, coupled with a close reading of Hobbes’ actual texts, and his criticisms of Aristotle, this paper will suggest that a different understanding of the ‘people’ who populate Hobbes’ social universe is possible. It will be suggested that this new understanding of Hobbes also makes the contemporary understanding of the history of political philosophy more fruitful for theoretical sociology. Keywords Individualism, parsons, prudence, social order, state, Tönnies, utilitarianism, war … wie die Menschen von Hobbes und die von ihnen abstammenden Individuen meiner Gesellschaft – von Natur Feinde sind, einander ausschließen und verneinen. Ferdinand Tönnies 1 … the problems of social order stated in classical form by Hobbes as a result of his exploration of the consequences of the unlimited struggle for power. Talcott Parsons 2 While the history of the reception of Hobbes’ political philosophy in sociology can be traced through many sources, few can be compared in their long-lasting impact with the writings of Tönnies and Parsons. Both emphasized the importance of Hobbes to sociology. Article