The Political Writings Of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke And...

The political writings of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau focus a great deal of their work discussing various views of the state of nature, and the human nature for the establishment of political authority. These three theorists have many differing opinions of the purpose and reality of the state of nature, the purpose of government and the impact of founders and how men secure their rights. In the Leviathan, Hobbes believes that the state of nature is a constant state of war where reality does not exist. The state of war brings the necessity for all individuals to live their lives in a constant state of fear, and that all men are equal because the weakest man has the capability to kill the strongest. Due to the premise that the state of nature is a constant perpetual war, government must only control and provide law and order and not represent. In The Second Treatise of Government, Locke provides a much different account of the state of nature. Locke believes th at all men are equal in the state of nature, and have the equality of freedom to do what they wish. Locke’s state of nature is not particularly a good or bad one. However, Locke believes that man’s natural rights are their property and their liberty and freedom, and that government should do what is necessary to protect that. Locke also believes that the establishment of political authority is best protective to the people when they are elected by the people and are responsive and accountable toShow MoreRelatedEvolution and the Modern Social Contract Theory : Essay Outline1050 Words   |  5 PagesThe Emergence of the Modern Social Contract Theory Essay Outline POLS 14033 – Political Ideas and Ideologies The Emergence of the Modern Social Contract Theory Essay Question: Firstly, in this essay, we will describe and analyze the various concepts of the evolution and emergence of the modern social contract theory thru the analysis of several of its key political thinkers. 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