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

2. 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
, born in England
Believed in a Social Contract between people & ruler
Wrote Leviathan (1651)

3. 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
, born in England
Believed in Natural Rights
Wrote Two Treatises of Government
Influences: US Declaration of Independence & American Revolution

4. 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