Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, & Baron de Montesquieu The Philosophy of the Founders Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, & Baron de Montesquieu

What would life be like if there were no government? What is the nature of all people? Good? Evil? Caring? Selfish?

Hobbes * People, by nature, possess the equality of ability * People, by nature, are cruel, greedy & selfish “From the equality of ability arises the equality of hope in the attaining of our ends…if any two men desire the same thing…they become enemies”

“…life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short…” Hobbes * Without government people lived in a state of nature. * Without written, enforceable rules, people would live like animals – foraging for food, fighting, stealing & killing, when necessary “…life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short…”

Hobbes By entering a SOCIAL CONTRACT, people agreed to give up the state of nature for an organized society

Hobbes Hobbes’ solution? Absolute monarchy Only a powerful government could ensure an orderly society – The Leviathan Hobbes

Furthers ideas about the John Locke Furthers ideas about the law of nature, social contract and natural rights “The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it which obliges every one….No one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty and possessions….”

Locke * People, by nature are reasonable and moral Locke – Two Treatises of Government The law of nature provides for certain natural rights which are, Life – freedom from threats to our security Liberty – freedom from other’s domination Property – freedom to work and gain economic goods (land, houses, tools, money -- necessary for survival)

Locke 3 Essential Ideas About Government * Legitimate government cannot exist without the consent of the governed (it must be accepted by all citizens – and therefore has an obligation to them.) The best kind of government has limited power

Montesquieu Studied various types of government throughout Europe Advocated for a different system of government The Spirit of Laws Divide powers of government among 3 branches the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch (Separation of Powers) Each branch should be able to check the powers of the other two (Checks & Balance).

Quick Review Which philosopher wrote The Leviathan? According to Locke, if your government fails, what do the people have the right to do? Which philosopher had the greatest influence on the structure of American Government? Which philosopher believes people are greedy and selfish? What are natural rights? According to Locke, who is the social contract between?