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

2. 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 , born in England
B. Believed in a “Social Contract” between people & ruler
1. Wrote Leviathan (1651)
2. Influence: secularism

3. 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 , born in England
B. Believed in Natural Rights
C. Wrote Two Treatises of Government
D. He influences: US Declaration of Independence & American Revolution

4. 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.