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

A. “Dark times” in world hist. prior to the Enlightenment 1. 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 indvidual I. Thomas Hobbes A. 1588-1679, born in England B. Believed in a “Social Contract” between people & ruler 1. Wrote Leviathan (1651) 2. Influence: secularism

II. 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 Question: Do you agree or disagree with this theory? Why? II. 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 Question: Do you agree with John Locke’s theory? Why? Which philosopher (Locke or Hobbes) do you most agree with and why?? Be prepared to discuss/ defend your answer.