Hobbes and Locke

Paper Summary:

This paper compares and contrasts the political beliefs of the two philosophers and theorists Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. It looks at how Hobbes' political theory is illustrated in the Leviathan which discusses the matter, form and power of a commonwealth. Hobbes was a social contract theorist who believed that a commonwealth was "but an artificial man." It shows how Locke was also a social contract theorist who believed that the purpose of government was to protect the lives of subjects.

Outline
Hobbes
Locke
The Most Fundamental Differences
Weaknesses and Strengths

From the Paper:

"Though both of these philosophers are social contract theorist there are some small differences in their ideals. Hobbes believed that once subjects gave consent to be governed they must abide by the laws set forth by that sovereign. He believed that subjects should be certain that the sovereign is going to do everything in his power to preserve their lives before they transfer their rights and wills to him. Once the rights and wills of the subjects are transferred the sovereign becomes the voice of the commonwealth and his authority must be respected--the sovereign was the supreme power."

More papers on Hobbes and Locke:

• Comparison Essay # 113761 : "Natural Law in Hobbes and Locke"
• Comparison Essay # 118856 : "Hobbes and Locke on Social Contract Theory"
• Comparison Essay # 62593 : "Hobbes and Locke"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: