Locke and Hobbes: Ethics and Morality Comparison Essay by Calwriter

The Enlightenment was a time when man, stepping out of his shackles, began to use his rational facilities to pull himself out of the medieval pits of mysticism and, in the process, shove aside the state and church authorities of the day. It was a spontaneous and defused movement, which fed upon itself and led to the great scientific discoveries from which we all benefit today. Beliefs in natural law and universal order developed, which not only promoted scientific findings and advancements of a material nature, but which also gave a scientific approach to political and social issues. Foremost among the Enlightenment ranks were John Locke (1632-1704) and Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679). This paper examines their view on ethics and morality, focusing on their treatments of the following concepts: state of nature, social compact, and role of the government.