The Enlightenment: Hobbes & Locke What is the major difference between Hobbes & Locke?

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

Hobbes concluded that religion & divine right were the cause of wars and that people were naturally selfish and wicked Hobbes felt people need a strong ruler with a secular government and ruler’s authority comes from the people (not divine right) People will exchange some of their rights to receive law, order & protection from the ruler. Hobbes called this the Social Contract Question: What is wrong or right with this theory? What other philosopher argued along these same lines? John Locke 1632-1704, born in England Believed in Natural Rights Wrote Two Treatises of Government Influences: US Declaration of Independence & American Revolution

Locke criticized absolutism & promoted self-government According to Locke, all people are born free & equal People have three natural rights: life, liberty, and property The purpose of government is to protect these rights Locke argues that if a government fails to do this, then the people should overthrow the government This idea influenced Thomas Jefferson & American colonists and other countries who would revolt against their govts Question: Do you agree with John Locke’s theory? Why? Classwork/Homework: Please complete section “C” of your homework on the back of the worksheet