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The Enlightenment: Hobbes & Locke

Explore the differences between Hobbes and Locke in shaping modern political thought during the Enlightenment. Discover how their theories on government, natural rights, and individual liberties continue to influence the Western world today.

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The Enlightenment: Hobbes & Locke

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  1. The Enlightenment:Hobbes & Locke What are the major differences between Hobbes & Locke?

  2. There were many “dark times” in world history prior to the Enlightenment • Crusades & Church Abuses • Absolute Monarchs • Atlantic Slave Trade • Conquest of Mexico • 1600s: people’s thinking began to change. This is known as the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason & power of individual Thomas Hobbes • 1588-1679, born in England • Believed in a Social Contract between people & ruler • Wrote Leviathan (1651) • Influence: secularism

  3. Hobbes concluded that religion & divine right were the cause of conflict and that people were naturally selfish and wicked • Hobbes felt people need a secular government with a strong ruler whose authority comes from the people, not divine right • Hobbes’ Social Contract states people will exchange some of their rights to receive protection from the ruler • Reflect/Discuss: Why do you agree or disagree with this theory and how does it influence the west today? John Locke • 1632-1704, born in England • Believed in Natural Rights • Wrote Two Treatises of Government • Influences: US Declaration of Independence & American Revolution

  4. Locke criticized absolutism & promoted self-government • Locke says people are born free & equal with three natural rights: life, liberty, and property (what is in nature is good) • The purpose of government is to protect these rights • Locke argues that if a govt fails to do this, then the people should overthrow the govt • Locke influenced Thomas Jefferson, American colonists & other countries who would revolt against their govts • Reflect/Discuss: Do you agree with John Locke’s theory, why/why not? How does this influence the west today?

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