Political Thinkers

Objective: Explain how the ideas from the Enlightenment impacted social, political, and economic systems and institutions.

The use of reason that had characterized the scientific revolution greatly influenced political thinkers. (CNN, FOX NEWS, MSNBC)

Intellectuals, especially in England and France, began to question traditional beliefs about government and laws and to promote new theories of government based on the natural rights of human beings.

Their “enlightened” ideas called into question not only the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, but the authority of monarchs as well.

Thomas Hobbes

1600s Thomas Hobbes Argued people were selfish Because of selfish nature,

people needed a strong government to maintain law and order.

English Thinkers

What are Hobbes’ thoughts on human nature?

Partner Question

Wrote that to achieve a strong

government, people had to agree to sacrifice the right to do whatever they wished in exchange for peace and security.

He called this agreement between people and their government the social contract.

Hobbes believed the best form of government was one ruled by an absolute monarch.

English Thinkers

What is the social contract

according to Hobbes? What is the best form of

government according to Hobbes?

Partner Questions

John Locke

1600s John Locke Also wrote about the social contract. Believed an absolute monarchy was not

necessary to maintain law and order. Felt the people were basically good and

capable of governing themselves. Locke stated people were born with certain

natural rights: the rights to life, liberty, and property.

English Thinkers

What are Locke’s thoughts on human nature?

List Locke’s natural rights.

Partner Question

Believe in ancient times, all humans not only enjoyed

these rights, they also governed themselves. As societies became larger and more complex, they set

up governments as efficient means of protecting natural rights.

According to Locke, the most important part of the social contract is a government’s obligation to protect the rights of the governed (natural rights).

This new thought process led Locke to a new and revolutionary idea—if a government did not protect the rights of its people (Democracy), the people had the right to overthrow that government and create a new one.

English Thinkers

What is the social

contract according to Locke?

What is the best form of government according to Locke?

Partner Questions

What are the implications

[inferences] of Locke’s ideas, particularly, his take on the social contact theory?

[Hint: Many governments of Europe at this time are Absolute Monarchies.]

Partner Question

Entry #4 9/24/14 Analyze Thomas Hobbes’

ideas and John Locke’s ideas-human nature, social contract, and best form of government.

Journal Entry