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

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

3. John Locke 1632-1704, born in England Believed in Natural Rights
Religion & divine right were the cause of conflict and that people were naturally selfish and wicked
People need a secular government with a strong ruler whose authority comes from the people, not divine right
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?
John Locke
, born in England
Believed in Natural Rights
Wrote Two Treatises of Government
He influences: US Declaration of Independence & American Revolution

4. Criticized absolutism & promoted self-government
Said people are born free & equal with three natural rights: life, liberty, and property
The purpose of government is to protect these rights
If a government fails to do this, then the people should overthrow the government
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.