Similarities Between Locke And Hobbes

Philosophers of the Enlightenment had numerous and often discordant ideas about government, the most notable being the contrasting social contract theories of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. Locke believed that humans, in the state of nature, were a blank slate, enjoying complete equality, freedom, and independence. By surrendering some of these natural rights through a social contract, governments were created which would act for the benefit of the people and be controlled by the people. However, certain rights, such as life, freedom, and property, were fixed, and the public had the right to replace any government which violated these rights. As such, Locke’s theory did not support the absolute power of a monarch. This conflicted greatly with Hobbes’ theory, which proclaimed a chaotic state of nature in which humans were innately selfish and savage, and an all-powerful leader was necessary to control them. Though both philosophies have significantly impacted many political systems, Locke’s theory of social contracts, which focuses on a government controlled by reason and the freedom of individuals, is superior to Hobbes authoritarian focused theory. Locke’s writings were influenced by the state of the English government
Therefore, Locke’s theory can be considered superior to the theory of Hobbes, which promoted absolutism. In the examples of the English constitutional monarchy, ancient Athenian democracy, and the American government, John Locke’s ideas of a system controlled by the people, which protected and acted for the rights and freedoms of the people, is reflected. These societies influenced and employed many of Locke’s political theories and, in turn, saw prosperity which would not have been realised if they had subscribed to the theories of Locke’s opponent, Thomas