Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, & Baron de

Montesquieu

The Philosophy of the Founders

What would life be like if there were no government?

What is the nature of all people?

Good? Evil? Selfish?Caring?

Hobbes

* People, by nature, are cruel, greedy & selfish

* People, by nature, possess the equality of ability

“From the equality of ability arises the equality of hope in the attaining of our ends…if any two men desire the same thing…they become enemies”

Hobbes

* Without government people lived in a state of nature.

* Without written, enforceable rules, people would live like animals –

foraging for food,fighting, stealing &

killing, when necessary

“…life would besolitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short…”

Hobbes

By entering a SOCIAL CONTRACT,

people agreed to give up the state of naturefor an organized society

Hobbes

Hobbes’ solution?

Absolute monarchyOnly a powerful government could ensure an orderly society – The Leviathan

John Locke

• Furthers ideas about the

• law of nature, social contract and natural rights

“The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it which obliges every one….No one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty and possessions….”

Locke – Two Treatises of Government

The law of nature provides for certain natural rights which are,

Life – freedom from threats to our security

Liberty – freedom from other’s domination

Property – freedom to work and gain economic goods (land, houses, tools, money -- necessary for survival)

* People, by nature are reasonable and moral

Locke

Locke

* Legitimate government cannot exist without the consent of the governed

(it must be accepted by all citizens – and therefore has an obligation to them.)

•The best kind of government has limited power

3 Essential Ideas About Government

Montesquieu•Studied various types of government

throughout Europe

•Advocated for a different system of government

•The Spirit of Laws

•Divide powers of government among 3 branches the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch (Separation of Powers)

•Each branch should be able to check the powers of the other two (Checks & Balance).

Quick Review

• Which philosopher wrote The Leviathan?• According to Locke, if your government fails,

what do the people have the right to do?• Which philosopher had the greatest

influence on the structure of American Government?

• Which philosopher believes people are greedy and selfish?

• What are natural rights?• According to Locke, who is the social

contract between?