John Locke- Influential, Liberal, and Revolutionary By Angela Hall, Kayla Hatchell, Onkar Kaur, Ryan Gardner, and Peter Zelley

Biography  John Locke, born August 29, 1632, in Wrington, Somerset, England, went to Westminster school and then Christ Church, University of Oxford. At Oxford he studied medicine, which would play a central role in his life. He became a highly influential philosopher, writing about such topics as political philosophy, epistemology, and education. Locke's writings helped found modern Western philosophy.

Philosophical Beliefs John Locke was one of the most influential philosophers. His main theories included religious tolerance, political theory, and the on price theory. Locke believed that human nature is characterized by reason and tolerance. This was part of his political theory. Locke’s philosophies influenced several founding fathers including Thomas Jefferson

Government Beliefs  Locke's political theory was founded on social contract theory. Locke believed that human nature is characterized by reason and tolerance. Like Hobbes, Locke believed that human nature allowed men to be selfish (currency). In a natural state all people were equal and independent, and everyone had a natural right to defend his “Life, health, Liberty, or Possessions".  Locke assumed that the sole right to defend in the state of nature was not enough, so people established a civil society to resolve conflicts in a civil way with help from government in a state of society. Locke also advocated governmental separation of powers, and he believed that revolution is not only a right but an obligation in some circumstances.