Machiavelli, Hobbes, Luther, Locke: A Comparison

As the centuries have passed and monarchies, as well as the Papal state, have matured, history has shown us the different need for new political systems based on the ideology and needs of the times. As in the case of Niccolo Machiavelli, his time period reflected a seemingly unceasing battle with unrest, dissent and disloyalty between the different kingdoms in Italy. Coupled with the ever-growing power of the Papacy, the need for a strong, central government became a necessity in the 16th century. Societal order and loyalty to one monarch were almost non-existent as States were constantly under

reputation and fear nothing from the citizens inhabiting his newly conquered principality.

With the ongoing competition that exists in the state of war, eventually man develops a need for rest. Any man at one point in his life, no matter how hard he has worked to attain his goals, will need to slow down and reflect on his life. Has the way I have struggled and clawed to reach my goals been worth the bridges I have burned and the harm I have caused myself and others throughout the years? Eventually he will prioritize and find a better more civilized way to conduct himself. The same holds true for the 17th century man. He must learn to compromise. This compromise according to Hobbes developed into what is now termed as the "social contract".

John Locke elaborates on the beliefs of Thomas Hobbes in his Two Treatises of Government. According to Locke's design for an efficient and just political system, he uses Hobbes' idea of the state of nature coupled with a need for rationality, and as Luther expressed, reason. Locke also concerns himself more with the origins of political power and the ideas of liberty and freedom.

Although not an advocate of violence, Kant did believe in the strong leadership qualities outlined in The Prince, as well as, the authors views on the need for civil order, loyalty and duty to the state. In fact, his fundamental notion is the idea of "duty". Kant's thoughts also lean towards the morality issues present during the times of both Machiavelli and Luther. Although a truly moral man would not need secular law to distinguish right from wrong, not all men act accordingly and with reason.

Some topics in this essay:
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