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The Political Philosophers

Who rules?. The Political Philosophers. Political Philosophers . . . Asked “why government”? Wrote about the role of government Wrote about the “state of nature” Wrote about natural rights Developed theories of government So who are they, and what did they say?. Thomas Hobbes 1588 - 1679.

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The Political Philosophers

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  1. Who rules? The Political Philosophers

  2. Political Philosophers . . . • Asked “why government”? • Wrote about the role of government • Wrote about the “state of nature” • Wrote about natural rights • Developed theories of government So who are they, and what did they say?

  3. Thomas Hobbes 1588 - 1679

  4. Thomas Hobbes • Leviathan: people are selfish and ambitious • Preferred an absolute monarchy to control ambition • SON: “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short” • NR: freedom and equality (can be forfeited) • TOG: Implied Contract: people give up freedom for protection even if the ruler is cruel

  5. John Locke 1632 - 1704

  6. John Locke • Two Treatises of Government • Preferred constitutional monarchy; property owners can vote • SON: Brute force, passions overcomes good • NR: Individuals have inalienable (natural) rights • Life, liberty, property • TOG: Social Contract: People consent to be governed in order to protect their natural rights, right to revolt

  7. Discuss these questions in small groups: • Why did Jefferson say that Locke’s little book on government is “perfect”? • What are the characteristics of the state of nature (as Locke sees it)? • What does Locke say about the “dissolution of government”? • What is the social contract? • How much influence did Locke have on the founding fathers?

  8. John-Jacques Rousseau: 1712-1778

  9. John-Jacques Rousseau • The Social Contract: “Men are born free, but everywhere he is in chains” • Preferred government: direct democracy • SON: men are born free, equal, innocent and happy, but claims to property ownership lead to violence • NR: Life and liberty (property is a fraud on the poor by the rich) • TOG: People should act in the interest of the public good. Rousseau called this “the general will.”

  10. Which philosopher greatly influenced Jefferson? Jefferson: Locke:

  11. For tonight’s reading: • What influence did Locke have on Jefferson?

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