The First Modern Political Philosophers - 1839 Words

Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are viewed as the first modern political philosophers. Both philosophers used their personal views as a means to develop their theories of human nature, the origin of the state, the nature of government, and the right of revolution. The two philosophers contributed to many fields: politics, governance, and the lives of individuals. Due to their different approaches to the same points, they differed on the views of human nature, the right of revolution, and the nature of governments. Their views on human nature influenced their philosophies on the theory of government. Owning to their different outlooks, Hobbes and Locke looked at the theory of nature differently. Thomas Hobbes believed that people of the state†¦show more content†¦In addition, the threat of punishment will help reinforce obedience to the laws. Therefore, Hobbes believed that without common power, people would always be at war with one another. Unlike Hobbes, Locke had a differen t approach concerning the state of nature. According to Locke, the law of nature forbids people from doing harm to others. This law protects the life, health and liberty of other people. He defines the law of nature as one that governs the state of nature. In addition, Locke introduces a supreme being concerning laws of nature and rights of nature. Locke writes, â€Å"Nothing was made by God for man to spoil or destroy† (Locke, 35). Therefore, humans have no right to deny anther persons chance to live; it is solely up to God because it was through God’s orders that people were sent to the world. Also, God gave everyone a conscious that will help him or her deem moral truths, and the conscious will help people not harm others. In addition, the natural rights entitle an individual the right to one’s own property and body (Locke, 47). Being that, a government is therefore needed to enforce the natural rights, which both Locke and Hobbes agree upon. Furthermore, Loc ke thought that most of the time men are capable of keeping their promises and honoring their obligations. He believed this view because their state of nature is good and peaceful. Also, those with a dangerous human nature will suffer the imposition ofShow MoreRelatedThe Reformation And Its Impact On The Early Modern Period1622 Words   |  7 Pagesevent in the early modern period that launched Europe into a massive conflict of widespread violence, through both political and religious factors. The political scene had remained very much the same before the beginning of the reformation in 1517, with many philosophers sharing similar ideas on how to handle the issues of sovereignty and private property. 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