The seventeenth and eighteenth century philosophers john locke, jean jacques rousseau and thomas hobbes supported which theory of government

History · High School · Sun Jan 24 2021

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The seventeenth and eighteenth-century philosophers John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Thomas Hobbes each had distinct theories of government, and their ideas laid the groundwork for different political philosophies. Here's a brief overview:

  1. Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679):
  • Theory of Government: Hobbes is best known for his social contract theory, particularly outlined in his work "Leviathan" (1651). He argued for a strong, absolute monarchy as a way to maintain order and prevent the chaos he believed would result from the "state of nature."

2 John Locke (1632–1704):

  • Theory of Government: Locke's political philosophy is encapsulated in his work "Two Treatises of Government" (1689). He advocated for a constitutional government based on the consent of the governed. Locke's ideas included the protection of natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and the right of the people to change their government if it fails to protect their rights.

3 Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778):

  • Theory of Government: Rousseau's influential work "The Social Contract" (1762) argued for the idea of the general will and popular sovereignty. He believed in a more direct form of democracy, emphasizing the collective will of the people and the importance of civic virtue.

In summary:

  • Hobbes supported an absolute monarchy to prevent chaos.
  • Locke supported a constitutional government based on the consent of the governed and the protection of natural rights.
  • Rousseau advocated for the general will and popular sovereignty, emphasizing a more direct form of democracy.

These philosophers' ideas significantly contributed to the development of political thought and influenced the formation of modern political systems and governments.