The Enlightenment: Hobbes & Locke What are the major differences between Hobbes & Locke?

“Dark times” in world hist. prior to the Enlightenment A. Crusades & Church Abuses, Absolute Monarchs, Slavery B. 1500s, Scientific Rev  new ideas 1. Copernicus – Heliocentric (sun centered) not Geocentric (earth centered) 2. Galileo – moon, stars imperfect C. 1600s: thinking changes during the Enlightenment 1. emphasized reason & power of individual II. Thomas Hobbes A. 1588-1679, born in England B. Believed in a “Social Contract” between people & ruler 1. Wrote Leviathan (1651) 2. Influence: secularism

III. John Locke A. 1632-1704, born in England C. Religion & divine right were the cause of conflict and that people were naturally selfish and wicked D. People need a secular government with a strong ruler whose authority comes from the people, not divine right E. Hobbes’ Social Contract states people will exchange some of their rights to receive protection from the ruler III. John Locke A. 1632-1704, born in England B. Believed in Natural Rights C. Wrote Two Treatises of Government D. He influences: US Declaration of Independence & American Revolution

E. Criticized absolutism & promoted self-government 1. Said people are born free & equal with three natural rights: life, liberty, and property F. The purpose of government is to protect these rights 1. If a government fails to do this, then the people should overthrow the government G. Locke influenced Thomas Jefferson, American colonists & other countries who would revolt against their govts