Enlightenment Disparity: Hobbes v. Locke
While many might assume that all Enlightenment thinkers supported natural rights and republicanism or democracy,
this is not the case. All authors are shaped by the world historical context, and Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are no
exception to that rule. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was mostly concerned with the problem of social and political order,
notably how people can live together peacefully and avoid conflict, seeing humans as innately war-prone and the state
of nature one of perpetual discord. Hobbes supported the notion of absolute monarchy as providing stability and
denounced the right to rebellion. His writings were shaped by the English Civil War, where society was divided
religiously, economically, and by region. On the other hand, John Locke (1632-1704) offered a different view of human
nature and legitimacy in government. In his Two Treatises on Government, Locke rejected divine right to monarchy in
favor of a republican or democratic form of government upheld by the people. He claimed that although in the statue of
nature people are constantly threatened by harm and war, they willingly come together and renounce some of their
own natural rights to a sovereign for the greater good: protection from physical harm, security of possessions, and
ability to cooperate in a stable society.
Thomas Hobbes
John Locke
1. Absolute Monarch
2. People are born with rights they relinquish to the
monarch in return for protection. This is known as the
social contract.
3. Believed people were wicked, selfish, and cruel, and
would act on behalf of their best interests.
4. People could not be trusted to govern themselves. An
absolute monarch would demand obedience to
maintain order.
5. Purpose of government = maintain law and order
6. Because people had no say in their government, they
could do nothing if the monarch was abusive
1. Democracy
2. All people are born with inalienable rights: life, liberty,
and right to own property
3. Believed that people were by nature good and could
learn from their experiences
4. People can be trusted to govern themselves if
provided with the right information and make good
decisions
5. Purpose of government = protect individual liberties
and rights
6. People have right to revolt against an abusive
government
Short Answer Questions
A. To what extent were the philosophies of Hobbes and Locke similar?
B. In what areas were Hobbes and Locke very different?
C. Why were the ideas of Hobbes and Locke so different? Use the term ‘world historical context’ in your answer.
Key Concept 5.3: Nationalism, Revolution, and Reform
AP World History