Political Philosophers Mr. Miyashiro August 2016 Revised: August 2017,2018 Otterville High School Civics/Government

Each of the following political philosophers have important ideas that helped to influence the founding fathers of our nation. The founding fathers took ideas from each of these men. As a notice: we will be having a short quiz over these philosophers next week

Thomas Hobbes Born in England in 1588 Father was a clergyman Became interested in why people allowed themselves to be ruled Looked to find which form of government would be the best for his home country Most famous work was called Leviathan

Hobbes’ Ideas Said that people were naturally wicked and should not be trusted to govern People have a desire for power People and Nations both act on their evil impulses Believed that every country was in a constant battle for power and wealth Developed that life was “nasty brutish and short”

Hobbes’ Solution Hobbes believed that it was the Role of Governments to protect people from their own selfishness and evil. Hobbes thought that the only government that could work was one that had the power of a sea monster, also known as a leviathan Supported the rule of a king- the country needed an authority figure to provide leadership Didn’t support democracy because people were only interested in promoting their self interests

Hobbes and the Social Contract A Social Contract would have to be made to promote safety and order in an organized society The people would give up some of their freedom to the government In exchange, the government would bring safety and order into the lives of its citizens

John Locke Also born in England Studied medicine

Locke’s Ideas Locke rejected the idea of “Divine Right” Idea that people who rule do so because it is the will of one or more god(s) Most famous work is called “The Second Treatise of Civil Government” Argues against Hobbes’ idea that people are naturally evil

Locke’s Most Famous Idea Locke believed that there are certain rights that every person has that cannot be taken away by any government Life Liberty Right to property

Montesquieu Born in France From a rich family, but was taken care of by a poor family while a child Went to college, became a lawyer

Montesquieu’s Beliefs Said that government should be secular (not founded by religion) Didn’t support atheism Just thought that government should be tolerant of many religions Also believed that the government should be broken up to prevent an over reach of power

Montesquieu’s Solution Montesquieu suggested that there be Separation of Powers One part of government would have the power to do each of the following Make Laws Enforce Laws Judge if a law has been broken

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Born in Switzerland His family was from France Had to work for an engraver Tried teaching, didn’t enjoy it

Rousseau’s Ideas Thought that people were good, but society corrupted them Supported a direct democracy Where people vote individually on laws (We’ll talk more about different types of governments starting on Tuesday) Rousseau believed that if the government didn’t support the rights of the majority, then that government could be and should be overthrown

Hey, Mr. Miyashiro, What are we doing Thursday? That’s a great question. We’ll be reviewing most of the information we’ve already covered!

Sources of Power/ Limits of Power Why can people rule over us, anyways?

4 Theories There are 4 theories on how the government gets its power Evolutionary Force Divine Right Social Contract

Evolutionary Theory The first populations formed from growing families The heads of these families got together to form the government Usually little resistance to leadership As size of family grew, so did the number of leaders Example: Scottish Clans

Force Theory The biggest, baddest, strongest was the one in charge The right to rule is based on the person or group’s ability to force others to follow their rules Example: Nazi Germany, Romans

Divine Right Theory According to Divine Right Theory the state was created by God God then chose whoever they wanted to rule to rule that area Of if you disagree with the King, you’re disagreeing with God Example: Many of the European Kings 1100 BCE-1600 BCE

Social Contract Theory Developed by Thomas Hobbes, expanded on by others Population of a given area has given up some power and freedom in order to receive protection from the government