John Locke on Liberty and Equality - 933 Words

Liberalism is a political philosophy based on the ideas of liberty and equality; it supports the ideas of civil rights, freedom of religion, freedom of press, and free trade. Liberalism traces its origins to the works of John Locke in the seventeenth century and the philosophy of enlightenment in the eighteenth century. Locke wrote that every man has a natural right to life, liberty and property (â€Å"All mankind being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions, John Locke, Second Treatise of Government). Liberals opposed absolutism and favored democratic government with rule of law. In the nineteenth century, liberal governments were established in nations across Europe, and America. Although liberalism had become popular, in the nineteenth and the 20th century it faced challenges. The ideas of Freud and Nietzsche, anti-Semitism, World War 1, Communism, feminism, and Nazism, all presented challenges to the ideas of liberali sm. Each one of these had certain ideas or actions which were at odds with what liberalism preached; to get their work done, or ideas implemented, liberalism had to be opposed. Communism is an ideology which presented serious challenges to liberalism. The Communist manifesto by Marx and Engels put forward the ideas of communism, which contained ideas which didn`t match with the ideas of Liberalism. In 1917 revolution in Russia, a Communist party led by Vladimir Lenin, came in to power in Russia. AsShow MoreRelatedLiberal Ideas Of Equality And The Right Of Law1591 Words   |  7 PagesLiberal ideas of equality and the right of law may be normative to this current epoch but these ideas were considered radical at their time (Fielding et al. 2009, p. 127). Rising to prominence during the 18th century Enlightenment, liberal ideas has roots in the period of the protestant reformation in the 16th century, with ideas of increased importance and faith in the individual and his rationality in opposition to the central authority of the Catholic Church (Fielding et al., 2009, p. 106).Read MoreJohn Locke: Founding Father of Modern Era Liberalism1444 Words   |  6 PagesThomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and John Locke are all great thinkers who were greatly influential in forming philosophies that would affect the future of politics. By analyzing each philosopher’s ideology, we can identify which thinker’s theory reflected modern era liberalism the most. For this paper I will be arguing that, John Locke provides a more compelling framework of modern era liberalism because of his perception of the state of nature, the social contract and the function of governmentRead MoreBiography of John Locke876 Words   |  4 PagesJohn Locke was a British born philosopher, physician, and writer that played a significant role in the framework of The United States. He was born in Wrington, England on August 29th, 1632. A father, also named John, who was a country lawyer, and his mother Anges Keene, raised Locke. Both his parents were Puritans, which influenced his later work immensely (John Locke). Locke’s parents sent him to the fa mous Westminister School in London where he was led by Alexander Popham, a member of ParliamentRead MoreJohn Locke and Thomas Hobbes Essay1077 Words   |  5 PagesJohn Locke and Thomas Hobbes both believe that men are equal in the state of nature, but their individual opinions about equality lead them to propose fundamentally different methods of proper civil governance. Locke argues that the correct form of civil government should be concerned with the common good of the people, and defend the citizenry’s rights to life, health, liberty, and personal possessions. Hobbes argues that the proper form of civil government must have an overarching ruler governingRead MoreEssay John Lockes Theories in The Declaration of Independence779 Words   |  4 PagesJohn Lockes Theories in The Declaration of Independence When looking at the Declaration of Independence and the justifications which Jefferson used in order to encourage the dissolve of the ties between the United Colonies and Great Britain, it becomes apparent how much of the theories of John Locke that Jefferson used as the basis for his argument. Focusing particularly on the second paragraph of the Declaration, the arguments for the equality of each man and the formation and destructionRead MoreThe Enlightenment Theory Of John Locke1627 Words   |  7 PagesEnlightenment theory philosophies of John Locke offered a future that could drastically change government, economic and social ideals. Thomas Jefferson borrowed liberally from the enlightenment theory from John Locke, specifically focusing on Locks theories of the equality of men, natural rights, and that people should have a say on how the government treated people. Jefferson created a draft document created a bold experiment, America. The enlightenment philosophy of John Locke th eorized that that men wereRead MoreModern Liberalism and Political Policies1337 Words   |  6 PagesModern Liberalism Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau’s political philosophies and theories each differ from one another’s, but these three philosophers have all staked their claims as to what man would be like, prior to the formation of the state. This is the State of Nature. Their notions on the social contract reflect their position on the political spectrum. These three philosophers also examine the purpose and function of the government to individuals of the state. Modern liberalismRead MoreIndividual Liberty and The Bill 94 in Quebec, Canada1077 Words   |  5 Pagesindividual liberty, Locke believes that each individual is the judge of their own actions (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2002). All individuals have a right to be free and a right to decide how they want to live without interference from the state. (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2002). Muslim women have the right to freely cover their face without limitations or discrimination from state authority. Bill 94 would terminate the individual choice of Muslim women and interfere with their individual rights and liberty. LockeRead MoreJohn Locke And Jean Jacques Rousseau967 Words   |  4 Pagesindividuals would come together to form a society. Two philosophers, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, give their respective opinions on what is the role and purpose of a â€Å"Social Contact’ in their works the â€Å"Second Treatise on Government† and â€Å"Of the Social Contract†. When defining the social contract in the â€Å"Second Treatise on Government†, Locke begins by addressing the state of nature. Similar to other philosophers of his time, Locke states his definition of the state of nature which he describesRead MoreJohn Locke And The Law Of Nature976 Words   |  4 Pages. John Locke’s notion of the Law of Nature is crucial and necessary to understand his work the ‘Second Treatise of Government’. His beliefs in limited government and individual rights are perceived throughout the entire text, but in order to understand why he believes this it is necessary to understand and analyze three elements. First one must understand what the Law of Nature is according to John Locke and why it is an essential element towards all individuals. Second one must understand how the