John Locke vs. Thomas Hobbes

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A. Introduction John Locke and Thomas Hobbes shared social contract theories and natural law theories, but that is where the line is drawn pertaining to similarities. Natural law theorists claim humans are animal-like by nature, but Hobbes thought the opposite, which sets him apart from other natural law theorists. Locke agreed with other natural law theorists that humans are by nature social animals. Locke also believed men have rights by nature. Hobbes believed you should give up your rights and in turn your life to your government. These are just a few differences between John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. B. John Locke’s Beliefs 1. His belief in natural law. 2. His social contract theory. 3. Ideas of the rights of the people. C. Thomas Hobbe’s Beliefs 1. His belief in natural law. 2. His social contract theory. 3. Ideas of the rights of the people. D. Comparing and Contrasting Beliefs of both 1. Similarities of beliefs. 2. Differences in beliefs. E. Conclusion John Locke and Thomas Hobbes had some similarities in theories, but also a lot of differences. The combination of their beliefs has created a strong form of government that is still used today. John Locke and Thomas Hobbes were arguably the two most influential figures in the creation of our modern day government. However, Locke and Hobbes did not have many common beliefs. Their differences started with social contract theory and continued over many other subjects. The two historical figures came together and created a government that still hold strong, centuries later, today. Thinkers of the 17th-18th centuries often hypostasized the state of nature, to aid with their feelings of how government should be. John Locke believed that man is by nature a social animal (James). Therefore, John Locke believed the only way the people could be kept under control
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