Liberalism: An Analysis of Locke, Hobbes, and Mill Analytical Essay by Master Researcher

This paper discusses ideas based upon the writings of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and John Stuart Mill, showing evidence that each of these political philosophers defined liberalism within the context of their broader views of human society and government. As a believer in autocratic monarchy, Hobbes had a negative view of liberalism. In contrast, John Locke supported liberal principles and believed that the people have an inherent right to govern themselves through representative government. John Stuart Mill generally agreed with Locke on the liberal merits of representative government, but believed that the rights of individuals were virtually unlimited.