1. Early Philosophies

2. Hobbes (16th Century)
The life of man is nasty, brutish and short; people are selfish and violent
If everyone is free, then everyone is in danger
Give up your freedom for security, man must be controlled to prevent violence
Force is necessary as words are weak on their own
Example: Yugoslavia post Tito

3. Locke (17th Century) People are rational and reasonable
Opposed the divine right of kings – power rests with the people = democracy
Government should only protect life, liberty and property (give up some freedoms to protect these)
If the government does not fulfill its obligations people can rebel
Example: US Revolution, collapse of Soviet Empire

4. Rousseau (18th Century)
People are naturally good but get corrupted by society (man is born free, but everywhere is in chains)
Individualism leads to jealousy and corruption (selfish)
Wanted a society based on direct democracy, consensus
Example – traditional Aboriginal societies in Canada

5. Synthesizing Information
Create the following chart:
“What did each of the philosophers state regarding…”
Nature of Human Beings
Individual role in society
Hobbes
Locke
Rousseau

6. Three perspectives
As your fellow classmates read the speeches, think about the author’s position on the structure of society, human nature and visions of the future.
Can you see evidence of concerns about nation, class, environment, relationship to land, gender, religion (all factors that influence ideologies)

7. Three perspectives Create a chart which:
chooses one of the three philosophers that would most support their position
also try to classify these individuals as collectivists or individualists
Be prepared to defend your position as you may be asked to share your ideas with the class
Speech
Philosopher most in agreement
Individualist or Collectivist?
Tommy Douglas
Milton Friedman
Ovide Mercredi