Hobbes And Locke Compare And Contrast

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Both founders of modern political science, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke held similar views during the enlightened era, although when analyzed more thoroughly, the difference between both philosophers is prominent. Though Hobbes and Locke both agreed that government was necessary to maintain a sustainable society, they disagreed on the role that government should play. Hobbes believed that a strong government is needed to protect individuals from their selfish nature. Locke believed that government should serve the people. The philosophers’ different views on human nature influenced the expectations they had for their government. Also, the events surrounding each philosopher at the time of their reformation had a great impact on the value that they placed on their government. Lastly, the tolerance of rebellion was controversial between Hobbes and Locke. Both philosophers believe in a government for their people even though the purpose that the government holds in relation to the people differentiates between both philosophers.

Throughout history a common debate is whether humans are truly good or evil. Hobbes and Locke surface this dispute with their different views on human nature. Hobbes believes that man by nature …show more content…
Many factors influenced their individual beliefs, including view of human nature, historical context, and position on rebellion. Hobbes’ pessimistic view of humans placed a greater importance on the government to regulate a society, whereas Locke leveled the playing fields by believing that man is neither good nor evil, placing less importance on the role of government. Hobbes experiences through the civil war also encouraged him to give more authority to a government rather than the people, while Locke’s uneventful past led him to leave government and people as

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