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John Lock and Thomas Hobbes

            The same year the Spanish Armada threatened england a great philosopher came into this world. He was born in London, England, in 1588 and goes by the name of Thomas Hobbes. Shortly thereafter in 1632 another philospher that deserves great recognition came to life. Born in Bristol, England, he was called John Locke. These two figures of history both recieved there education at Oxford University in England. Although they attended the same college their views contrast one anothers quite sufficiently.
             First of all, I will clarify what these two men believed was the purpose of government. Locke suggests that a government is meant to protect the right of life, the right to freedom, and the right to property. What he means by this is that government is meant to ensure the life of the people and let them do what they want and own property. Hobbes ideas of the purpose of government is somewhat similar. He says that its sole reason for existence is for the safety of the people. But their feelings about the individuals are considerably different.
             Furthermore, I shall discuss what these philosophers felt about the rights of individuals. John Locke believed that everyone including women had a say in the government. He thought that people existed as individuals before societies and governments came into being. They each possessed certain rights, and all had the freedom to do as they pleased. Thomas Hobbes on the other hand assumed that humans were devious devils that would do what ever they could in their power to make life better for themselves. He therefore inferred that mankind could not be trusted. .
             Finally, the organization of government will be distinguished. John Locke believes that the best form of government is the democracy. He does not believe that god chose a gamily to rule certain countries. So he does not believe in the Divine Right. Hobbes presumes that democracy would never work. He strongly believes in the Divine Right which is the belief that god chooses the leader of the country.


Essays Related to John Lock and Thomas Hobbes

1. John Locke: A Universal Thinker

One of the important philosophers was a man named Thomas Hobbes. Thomas Hobbes had very strong political preferences. ... John Locke took Thomas Hobbes ideas and beliefs to a further and very different path. ... John Lockes differing ideas were extremely significant and when put to use in government were extremely important. ... He extended off of Thomas Hobbes' ideas to a more positive view on humanity and human nature. ...

  • Word Count: 1751
  • Approx Pages: 7
  • Grade Level: High School

2. Hobbes Vs. Locke

With Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, one could certainly argue this point. ... (Hobbes 87). ... (Hobbes 84). ... This underlying evil inherent in man is supported by Hobbes claim that although there are laws and enforcers now, people still lock their doors and carry arms to protect the things that are most valuable to them. ... Accordingly, Hobbes views resistance very skeptically. ...

  • Word Count: 1872
  • Approx Pages: 7

3. The Will of the People

Once the rights, "Life, Liberty and Property" are locked in then the citizens have no reason to overthrow their government. ... However, another philosopher by the name of Thomas Hobbes comes in contrast with John Locke. ... Today, Lockes ideas have protected the rights of men and women rather than throwing them away and leaving them to rot. ... As John Locke said "If the government is not providing, overthrow it.... Another philosopher by the name of Thomas Hobbes would disagree with that. ...

  • Word Count: 1226
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

4. The Modern State and Human Rights

Bodin stressed the independence of the kings of France whereas the English author Thomas Hobbes emphasized the rights of the sovereign power of the state over all members of the common polity. ... John Lock is the author who took positions opposed to the approach taken by Thomas Hobbes. ... Ideas of John Lock found textual reflection in the Virginia Declaration of Rights of 12 June 1776 which was produced on the North American continent. Further, on 4 July, 1776, the reflection of Lock's position was found in the American Declaration of Independence. ...

  • Word Count: 1043
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

5. Biography of John Locke

John Locke was born in Wrington, Somerset on August 29, 1632. ... Since Locke lived through a very bloody civil war, he agreed with and shared the fears expressed by fellow Englishmen Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes stated his belief that the worst government was better than no government, liberty brought only chaos. ... Shaftesbury retained Locke to analyze trade, education, tolerance, and other issues, which sparked Lockes interest to expand his knowledge. ... During the 1720's, John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon, two English radical writers, disseminated Locke's political ideas in Cato's...

  • Word Count: 1805
  • Approx Pages: 7

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