Review:

How did Hobbes view people in the state of nature?

What was Hobbes’ idea of a perfect government?

What are some qualities of Machiavelli’s Prince?

What are the three parts of Plato’s society?

In Plato’s society, who would rule?

What is one thing Plato, Machiavelli, and Hobbes have in common regarding their political philosophy?

John Locke’s Political Philosophy

John Locke BackgroundHe was an English philosopher and physician who lived

from 1632-1704

John Locke is sometimes known as the “Father of Classical Liberalism” and one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers He is also one of the first British empiricists, along with

Francis Bacon

His work has had a tremendous influence on the development of epistemology and political philosophy Some of his most famous ideas include:

Tabula rasa Social contract Right to property Limited government

Locke’s State of Nature

John Locke had a very different view of the state of nature than Thomas Hobbes had

Locke believed that people could rationally settle their differencesHe thought that all people have the ability to reason

and develop/improve their reasoning ability

He also believed that people were capable of governing over themselvesReason gives man the ability to rule over themselves

and all people are equally gifted with the capacity to reason

Locke’s Views on Government and Society

Locke rejected the idea of divine right of kings He puts more faith in human reason than in divine right

Controversial at the time for those monarchs who believed their right to rule came from God

Locke believed that the purpose of a good government is to protect people’s lives, liberty and property If the government doesn’t protect these rights, the people have a right and duty

to get rid of that government and replace it with one that will

Locke believed that if people are controlled against their will, it is contrary to the natural order of man Natural liberty is something that all men share

All men should be free and equal just by virtue of the fact that they are human

He believed that these rights are absolute, and not given to us by the government

Locke also wrote about women’s rights He believed that women share equally the ability to reason and should be seen

as men’s equal and respected a such