Hobbes and Locke: Comparisons and Contrast Essay Example

Introduction

Hobbes, Locke and others were influential Enlightenment philosophers. This essay focuses on the similarities and differences between Hobbes Locke and Locke. It lists their differences and agrees on them.

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John Locke and Thomas Hobbes are two well-known English philosophers. Their contributions to the development and maintenance of human society have been extensive and all-consuming. The future visions of America and Europe were influenced by the ideas and theories of Hobbes. These two philosophers believed and formulated theories in areas such as politics, sociology, religion and ethics. They were instrumental in establishing Western democracy's political ideas and shaping the societies of America and Europe as they are today.

Hobbes was the one who laid the foundations of European political thought and defined the civil society as well as the state. Locke focuses on concepts like the self and consciousness. These philosophers created the foundation for the European liberal views, which are natural and initial equality of all members of a society. This was also the basis for the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America and the Constitution.

This paper will explore the most important ideas and theories of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and compare and contrast their views regarding religion, social contract, property, value, and politics. The paper will also discuss the contributions both of these philosophers made in human history and to social development, and their influence on the creation of the Constitution of America.

Thomas Hobbes: The Main Ideas and Theories

Hobbes was born 1588 in Wiltshire (Thomas Hobbes Moral and Political Philosophy n.d.). His family and his early years are not known. Hobbes began his education in a Malmesbury church school, then he continued his education at Malmesbury school. Hobbes was fascinated with physics, the laws and mechanics of matter and motion (Thomas Hobbes Moral and Political Philosophy. n.d.).

Hobbes' interest in philosophy stemmed from his scientific theories, which eventually led Hobbes to recognize the Man as distinct from nature and one with society and the state. Hobbes' most famous literary works are "Leviathan" and the "The Elements of Law, Natural and Politic". Hobbes believed that the civil society was formed and established political power and authority, which led to his contractarian theories. Hobbes believed social contract was the foundation of civil society.

This theory states that members of a society have voluntarily given up certain freedoms and rights in order to give political authority to ensure social security and protection of individual rights. (Thomas Hobbes, Moral and Political Philosophy, n.d. Hobbes was raised in a religious home where his father was a vicar. He was educated in a school of the church and under the guidance of a puritan tutor. Hobbes didn't embrace religion but supported a materialistic view of metaphysics.

John Locke: The Main Ideas and Theories

Locke was born 1632 in Somerset, England to a puritan family. He grew up in a rural community (John Locke n.d.). He started his education at Westminster School, which was a highly prestigious association. He entered the Christ Church in Oxford after he graduated. Like Hobbes, Locke was dissatisfied with the college's curriculum and began to read philosophical works by his contemporaries like Descartes. Locke was also fascinated by medicine, and soon earned a bachelor's in this field.

Locke and Hobbes differ in that Hobbes never received any academic degrees. Hobbes, however, had both a bachelor's- and master's degree. Locke eventually became a physician, and performed some of the most dangerous medical procedures at that time. One such operation was on liver. Locke's views and ideas are recognized as the foundation for European liberalism in politics, and empiricism within philosophy. Locke, like Hobbes supported the social contract theory.

Locke emphasized the importance of tolerance in civil societies in relation to religion, and equality of its members (John Locke n.d.). Locke's revolutionary thinking is well-known. Locke opposed absolute monarchy as a form political authority and supported his understandings of "natural rights", which he defined as the rights that a person has naturally due to their culture. Natural rights can be described as freedoms that are not restricted by legal systems.

Hobbes and Locke: Comparisons and Contrast

Although Hobbes was born 44 years earlier than Hobbes, Locke and Hobbes were both prominent thinkers in the 17th century. Both philosophers had similar ideas and theories about the same phenomenon. Hobbes and Locke looked at a variety of topics, including social contract theory, human rights, religion and political forces, as well as the meaning of property and value for society.

Social Contract Theory

Locke and Hobbes supported the social contract theory, which holds that governments and political power do not come from God and that rulers are not created from divine power. According to social contract, the assignment of a government to enforce order and protect rights was made by the members of society.

However, there was a significant difference in the views of both philosophers regarding the nature of the assigned government. Hobbes believed that the name of the rulers is sufficient to prevent them from being overthrown by other members. Locke believed that rulers should be in power only as long as they are fulfilling their social contract obligations and protecting the rights of individuals. The social contract can be broken if it is not fulfilled and the government can be overthrown by a revolution.

Human Nature and Property

The concept of the "state-of-nature" was explored by both Hobbes as well as Locke. It is the state that reveals human nature, the true characteristics of humans. However, they had completely different opinions about what the nature of man meant. Hobbes believed that humans are naturally aggressive, violent, and self-centered. Locke, however, believed that people's true nature was peaceful, calm, and thoughtful.

It seems that Locke was more optimistic than Hobbes. Hobbes believed that the natural state for human relationships was one in which everyone is at war with everyone. The need for civil society and social contract was born. This created a safer environment for individuals. Locke believed that humans are naturally rational beings and social agreement was a way to attain equality and fairness within society. Hobbes thought that private property meant something that existed while the legal and political forces were in power.

Locke believed property was one of the first rights of human beings and was to be respected only when they are in peace. Hobbes believed that humans are naturally selfish and only care about their survival. This is why they need to cooperate and create a social contract. Locke's opinion is that humans are as interested in the survival and growth of society as they are in their own. This is due to their altruistic nature. (John Locke Vs Thomas Hobbes: Founders in Modern Political Science 2012). The events in which one person saves the life of another are quite common in our society, and they are not like those that occur in the animal world (apart form the actions motivated by the maternal instinct).

Religion

Hobbes' and Locke's lives and works were influenced by religion. Hobbes was a fervent materialist who rejected all inorganic substances. Locke, however, was very religious and believed that the act of initial creation made individuals God's property. Hobbes was accused by some of being atheist, but he never accepted such accusations. Hobbes believed that spirits and divine substances existed, and were corporeal.

His belief was therefore perfectly suited to his materialistic beliefs. Both Locke and Hobbes agreed the revelation was compatible with human reasoning. However, the views of these philosophers diverge. Locke believes that humans accept revelations due to their peaceful and thought-provoking nature. Hobbes believes that people follow the revealed rules because they want to avoid conflict, as war without the regulations of a sovereign is unavoidable.

Locke's religious beliefs influenced his views on the nature of people and the cause for social contract. He also viewed the organisation of a political society and the relationship between the rulers and their followers.

Political Philosophy

Locke's liberalism was founded on the philosopher's belief that all humans were created equal in their beginnings. This includes gender equality. Locke believed that all human beings had the same rights from the beginning. Therefore, any regulations or rules that were to be made by governments would need the approval of the people.

Hobbes held different views on the subject of political power. Hobbes believed that the assigned government could enforce any laws it deemed necessary. He also thought the people had the right to disagree with government decisions. Hobbes views on the social agreement stated that the government's presence and rule were essential in order to avoid the ultimate social conflict among unregulated, violent, and selfish human beings.

These views were fundamentally different from those of Hobbes or Locke and influenced their opinions on the best political systems. While the former believed absolute monarchy was the best way to create harmony and law and order in a society, the latter supported constitutionalism and rejected royal absolutism.

It becomes clear that Locke's ideas are the foundation of modern democracy, a peaceful political system that guarantees human rights and equality and assigns governments to the approval of the people. The ideas of Hobbes are also accepted as the traditional model of power or autocracy in many non-western countries.

Contribution

These ideas and beliefs, which Hobbes and Locke shared, were the basis of contemporary political science and power understandings. The social contract theory, which was developed by these philosophers, led to democracy being established. It also suggested that the people are the source of political power (John Locke and Thomas Hobbes: Founders Modern Political Science 2012).

Hobbes and Locke argued about the human nature. This debate is still ongoing in modern society. It concerns who we are as peaceful, respectful creatures or self-centered, violent beasts. The most influential ideas from both philosophers were those of Locke. First, Locke's theories regarding equality and natural rights (which included liberty and property) were the foundation for the idea that a legitimate government could exist (Foundations and American Government, 2014).

Because Locke believed that any failing government could be overthrown by its founders, the people helped to create the Declaration of Independence, which was so important for America. Hobbes' and Locke's ideas outlined the nature of power and the need for strong leaders who can be trusted by their followers. They also emphasized the importance of a government that is accountable to them. These ideas, which Locke and Hobbes described, are the foundation of the Constitution of America today. They also inspire democracy's values.

What is the Difference Between John Locke's Beliefs and Thomas Hobbes?

The difference between Hobbes' and Locke's ideas was their disagreement on whether people are naturally selfish. Hobbes believed people were self-centered and egoistical in nature. Locke believes they are reasonable, peaceful, and that they are reasonable.

Conclusion

John Locke and Thomas Hobbes are two of the most well-known English philosophers of 17th century England. Although they were from different backgrounds, had different interests and educations, they developed similar theories and theorized about the same topics. Locke and Hobbes share a number of ideas, including the non-divine origins and necessity for social contract, a government, equal rights for all and the existence an ultimate state for humans.

However, their views on deeper understanding of their beliefs were vastly different. Hobbes, for example, characterized people as naturally violent, self-interested beings. Locke, however, maintained that people are rational, reasonable, and peaceful by nature.

Hobbes believed that the government should be permanent once it is assigned. Locke, however, believed that if the rulers fail to serve their people, it violates the social contract and renders the government ineligible. The Constitution of the United States was based on the ideas of Locke and Hobbes about the nature and source of political power within a society, and its validity.

References List

Foundations of American Government. (2014). American Government.

John Locke. (n. d.). IEP.

John Locke vs Thomas Hobbes: Founders of Modern Political Science. (2012). Western Civilization II Guides.

Thomas Hobbes: Moral and Political Philosophy. (n. d.). IEP.