John Locke will take a different approach to society and government than Hobbes, one which will eventually be very important to the United States. As we dive deeper into the topic, we'll address the following questions:
- How does Locke's perspective on the state of nature inform his divergence from Hobbes in their respective views on sovereignty?
- How does Locke come to the conclusion that the individual has natural rights?
- According to Locke, why is absolute monarchy an illegitimate form of government?
Recommended Reading: Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. 1689.
The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind