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Thoughts of Locke and Hobbes
Should the state have power over its subjects, or the subjects over the state? John Locke and Thomas Hobbes were both political philosophers who believed in natural law, but when it came to the state of nature of man, Locke and Hobbes had contrasting views. Hobbes and Locke’s philosophies have been influential ever since they were first introduced in the 17th century. ...
Hobbes believed that the state of nature was “a war of every man with man in which life is mean, nasty, brutish, and short.” Hobbes does not have faith in men to be moral or civilized. ... Hobbes believed that men also use violence for defense and for appearance.
Hobbes believed that an absolute monarchy- a government that gave all its power to a king or queen- is best. In Hobbes’ philosophy government was a necessity of life. ...
Hobbes also recognized that in order to ensure the stability of a government, a social contract must be signed. ...
In contrast to Hobbes, Locke views the nature of man as ‘ A garden of Eden’. ... ” Locke believed that men are all equal. ...
However, Locke believed that nature does have some inconveniences and that government is therefore formed out of convenience, “I easily grant that civil government is the proper remedy for the inconveniences of the state of nature…” For example, Locke believed that a man should be punished if he harms someone else. ... Locke states, “… nothing but the consent of an individual can make anything to be the act of the whole.”
Locke believes that God is the center of all governments. ...
Locke recognized that in order for a government to keep from falling apart one person must be in charge to mediate the laws. ... Locke’s theory also differs from Hobbes in that Locke believes that if the society is discontent with its ruler or laws the government can be overthrown by the power of the people.
Approximate Word count = 1510
Approximate Pages = 6
(250 words per page double spaced)
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