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in a social contract, in which people should give up individual freedom to live in an organized society.

They were both natural rights theorists and social contract theorists.

Natural rights theorists, meaning they both agreed that a person is born with the right to "life, liberty, and property" (not "pursuit of happiness") because they were endowed by the creator. They both agreed it's the government's job to protect these rights.

Social contract theorists meaning, the governed must give consent to the government in exchange for protection. This means the citizens of the land must give up some of their rights in order for their rights to be protected by the government. For example, I may have the right to free speech (arguably falling under the natural right to liberty) but that doesn't mean the government is going to let me spread lies about someone else, because that infringes of their rights (arguably, their right to liberty).

The main difference between the two is that Hobbes thought people were naturally brutish and brash and would kill each other in a state of nature in order to get what they want. He thought that in a state of nature (a theoretical state where there's no government), life would be short because people would kill each other. For this reason, government had to be big and enforce laws strictly because people were too stupid and mean to do the right thing and live in peace on their own.

john Locke, on the other hand, thought people were born without a good or bad spirit necessarily. He thought they were born as a blank slate (sometimes called "tabula rasa") and society influenced whether they were good- or bad-souled.

(Rousseau, on the other side of things, thought people were born with good souls and society would only make them bad.)

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Q: Defined by Thomas hobbes and john Locke?
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Related questions

Who were John Locke and Thomas Hobbes?

Enlightenment thinkers


Which of he following statements is about thomas hobbes and john Locke is not correct?

"Thomas Hobbes believed that people are inherently good and can be trusted, while John Locke believed in the concept of the social contract and the idea of natural rights." This statement is incorrect because it switches the beliefs of Hobbes and Locke. Hobbes actually believed in the inherent selfishness and competitiveness of human nature, while Locke emphasized the importance of natural rights and the consent of the governed in a social contract.


Who theorized natural rights?

Thomas Hobbes


What the difference in ideas between Thomas Hobbes and and John Locke?

Hobbes was more in favor of monarchy


How did philosophy of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke different?

Hobbes supported absolute monarchy, while Locke supported the idea of popular sovereignty


How did the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke differ?

Hobbes supported absolute monarchy, while Locke supported the idea of popular sovereignty


Did Thomas Hobbes and John Locke wrote about contract theories of government?

YES


In what country did the enlightenment begin?

The Enlightenment began in Western Europe, particularly in countries like England, France, and Germany. These nations saw a surge in scientific and philosophical advancements, challenging traditional beliefs and institutions. Key figures of the Enlightenment include Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke.


What enlightened englishman contributed the social contract theory of government?

There were three men who are historically linked to social contract theory. They are Thomas Hobbes, john Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Both Hobbes and Locke were Englishmen.


True or false John Locke had more influence on the American Founders than did Thomas Hobbes?

True. John Locke had more influence on the American Founders than did Thomas Hobbes. The Americans wanted nothing to do with Thomas Hobbes. The Americans did not want George III. The Americans did not seek Leviathan.


Which of the following describes a major difference between the Enlightenment thinkers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke?

Hobbes believed that people were naturally evil, while Locke did not.


What is the difference in worldview between John Locke and Thomas Hobbes?

John Locke believed in natural rights, social contract theory, and the idea that individuals have the right to revolt against an unjust government. Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, believed in a more pessimistic view of human nature, emphasizing the need for a strong central authority to maintain order and prevent chaos. Locke's worldview focused more on individual liberty and limited government, while Hobbes prioritized the need for strong and absolute political authority.