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Locke And Hobbes Comparison Essay

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Locke And Hobbes Comparison Essay
Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are some of the most famous philosophers, which also had a huge impact on government. Hobbes and Locke have opposing viewpoints when it comes to the state of nature, which refers to the lack of social structures. Hobbes views the natural state as unsatisfactory, believes revolutions are wrong and that nature has more of an effect on someone than nurture. However, Hobbes and Locke agree that some form of government is needed for society, proving that Hobbes and Locke have more differences than similarities.
One difference to begin with would be the views on the state of nature by Hobbes and Locke. Hobbes views the state of nature as insufficient; although, Locke believes that it is acceptable. Like said Hobbes thinks the natural state …show more content…
Hobbes preferred a strict government. Even though “…any form of government was preferable to it [the state of nature]” (Austin 94). Hobbes had more of a negative view on things which is why he believed a strong government was needed. On the other hand, Locke was more positive. In Locke’s theory, he mentions the government when describing the two-way contract, which shows he does believe some form of government is necessary. But Locke wasn’t headstrong about the idea of having a government, let alone such a strict government like Hobbes desired. Accordingly, Hobbes and Locke both agreed that a government is needed for a society to function.
Therefore, without question Hobbes and Locke have differences, Hobbes’s more pessimistic view proves that. They disagree when it comes to their views on the state of nature, revolutions, and if nature or nurture has a bigger effect on people. Although, they both agree people need a government. Their theories differ greatly, which proves Hobbes and Locke are opposites, but they both realize certain things are necessary for a society to function
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