Question
How were Hobbes's and Locke's views different?
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VivianProfessional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
Hobbes and Locke had contrasting views on political philosophy, particularly regarding the nature of government and the social contract:1. **Human Nature:** - Hobbes: Humans are inherently selfish and driven by a desire for self-preservation. Without a strong central authority, life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." - Locke: Humans have natural rights, including life, liberty, and property. He believed in a more optimistic view of human nature, suggesting that people are capable of reason and cooperation.2. **Social Contract:** - Hobbes: Individuals enter into a social contract to escape the state of nature, surrendering their rights to a sovereign authority in exchange for security and order. - Locke: The social contract is formed to protect natural rights. Individuals retain the right to life, liberty, and property, and government exists to safeguard these rights. If a government fails in its duty, the people have the right to revolt.3. **Role of Government:** - Hobbes: Advocated for a powerful, absolute monarchy as the best form of government to maintain order and prevent chaos. - Locke: Supported a limited government with power derived from the consent of the governed. Government exists to protect individual rights, and if it fails to do so, citizens have the right to replace it.4. **Right to Revolt:** - Hobbes: Argued against the right to revolt, as it would lead to anarchy. The sovereign's authority should be absolute to maintain order. - Locke: Believed in the right to rebel against a government that violates the social contract by infringing upon natural rights. This is a last resort when all peaceful means have failed.In summary, Hobbes had a more pessimistic view of human nature and supported a strong, absolute government, while Locke had a more optimistic view, advocating for limited government that protects individual rights, with the possibility of citizen revolt in the face of tyranny.
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