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

Thomas Hobbes An Age of Reason Prior to 1600s the world saw absolute rule, conquest & slavery 1600s: people’s thinking began to change. This is known as the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason & power of individual Thomas Hobbes 1588-1679, born in England Believed in a Social Contract between people & ruler Wrote Leviathan (1651) Influence: secularism

Hobbes concluded that religion & divine right were the cause of conflict and that people were naturally selfish and wicked Hobbes felt people need a secular government with a strong ruler whose authority comes from the people, not divine right Hobbes’ Social Contract states the people will exchange some of their rights to receive protection from the ruler Reflect/Discuss: Why do you agree or disagree with Hobbes’ social contract? John Locke 1632-1704, born in England Believed in Natural Rights Wrote Two Treatises of Government Influences: Revolutions in Europe & Americas

Locke criticized absolutism & stated that in the “state of nature” people would come together and form a self-govt He argues that people are born free & equal with three natural rights: life, liberty, & property In Locke’s social contract, govt exists to protect these rights, if not the people must replace the govt Locke’s ideas influenced the Dec. of Independence in America & other countries who revolt against their govts Reflect/Discuss: Which social contract do you agree with Locke or Hobbes and why?