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The Founding Fathers had a complex relationship with the ideas of Thomas Hobbes. While they acknowledged his contributions to political philosophy, particularly regarding social contracts and the necessity of government for maintaining order, they largely rejected his belief in absolute sovereignty and the inherent pessimism about human nature. Instead, they leaned more towards the ideas of john Locke, advocating for individual rights and limited government. Thus, while Hobbes's ideas influenced them, they did not fully embrace his views.

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What ideas did the founding fathers take from thomas hobbes?

The Founding Fathers were influenced by Thomas Hobbes' ideas about the social contract and the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent chaos and maintain order. Hobbes argued that individuals consent to surrender some of their freedoms to a sovereign power in exchange for protection and stability. This notion helped shape their understanding of government’s role in ensuring security and civil peace, ultimately contributing to their support for a powerful federal government as outlined in the Constitution. However, they also diverged from Hobbes by emphasizing individual rights and the importance of checks and balances to prevent tyranny.


What philosophers Social Contract theory influenced our founding fathers ideas about government?

The Social Contract theory, particularly as articulated by philosophers like John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, significantly influenced the Founding Fathers' ideas about government. Locke's emphasis on natural rights and the government's role in protecting life, liberty, and property was foundational for the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Hobbes's views on the necessity of a strong central authority informed discussions about government power and order, while Rousseau's ideas about popular sovereignty and the general will shaped democratic principles. Collectively, these theories helped establish the framework for a government based on consent and the protection of individual rights.


What ideas did the founding fathers use for what government should be?

The Founding Fathers of America intended for it to be one country, unified, led by the Christian God.


Who or what influenced our founding fathers when writing the Constitution?

John Locke, mostly. He stole the ideas from a lot of other philosophers but he is the one credited with the influence for the Constitution.


How did Thomas Hobbes and john Locke's ideas have an impact on the us constitution and bill of rights?

no, but he did influence the declaration of independence

Related Questions

What were thomas hobbes?

what were thomas hobbes's ideas


What ideas did the founding fathers take from thomas hobbes?

The Founding Fathers were influenced by Thomas Hobbes' ideas about the social contract and the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent chaos and maintain order. Hobbes argued that individuals consent to surrender some of their freedoms to a sovereign power in exchange for protection and stability. This notion helped shape their understanding of government’s role in ensuring security and civil peace, ultimately contributing to their support for a powerful federal government as outlined in the Constitution. However, they also diverged from Hobbes by emphasizing individual rights and the importance of checks and balances to prevent tyranny.


What were hobbes?

what were thomas hobbes's ideas


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

Hobbes was more in favor of monarchy


What describes the difference in ideas between thomas hobbes and john lock?

Hobbes was more in favor of monarchy


What philosophers Social Contract theory influenced our founding fathers ideas about government?

The Social Contract theory, particularly as articulated by philosophers like John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, significantly influenced the Founding Fathers' ideas about government. Locke's emphasis on natural rights and the government's role in protecting life, liberty, and property was foundational for the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Hobbes's views on the necessity of a strong central authority informed discussions about government power and order, while Rousseau's ideas about popular sovereignty and the general will shaped democratic principles. Collectively, these theories helped establish the framework for a government based on consent and the protection of individual rights.


What were thomas hobbes ideas about government?

i think they were and should be very interesting


What is the difference between thomas hobbes and john lockes ideas?

It was how he farted a lot


Political theorist who championed autocratic ideas in the 17th century?

Thomas Hobbes


Where did the American founding fathers get most of their ideas about self-government?

From British traditions.


How did john Locke influence the founding fathers?

John Locke was political philosopher and a proponent of natural law, and limited government. These two ideas that greatly influenced the Founding Fathers. Locke's ideas are reflected in both the Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution.


Were the founders more influenced by hobbes or Locke and why?

The Founding Fathers were likely more influenced by Locke, as his ideas on natural rights, limited government, and social contract theory can be seen reflected in documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. While Hobbes also contributed to political philosophy, his views on absolute monarchy and the inherent selfishness of humans were less aligned with the principles founding the United States.