Comparison of theories Thomas Hobbes and John Locke essay
The two English philosophers of the seventeenth century, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, whose writings greatly influenced the Framers of the U.S Constitution contributed to the development of constitutional democracy in the United States. Comparing their theories, it is possible to find some similarities in their views. Both Thomas Hobbes and John Locke considered that “people have the capacity to form their own governments” (Judd, 2011, p. 13). Both of them questioned traditional authority. For example, Hobbes reflected these ideas in his theory highlighting the role of unalienable rights that should never be transferred to political authority. Locke states that “political resistance is a legitimate act” (Judd, 2011, p. 13). Both Hobbes and Locker understood that most people wanted to live in peace and to feel secured. Hobbes model of the development of ideal society was based on freedom for all people obtained through human interactions (Rosenberg, 2010). His concept of social contract was used by the Framers of the U.S Constitution. Locke’s theory highlighted the idea of individual rights in relation to the state. His idea of the protection of individual rights was reflected in the U.S. Constitution. However, for Locke, individual rights were more important than state power, while for Hobbes, it was crucial to defend king’s rights. Actually, each of the theorists has impacted the establishment of the American system of government. The ideas of both Hobbes and Locke were used to establish effective governance and authority and to address the needs of people. The idea of social contract promoted by Hobbes became a rationale for the development and implementation of governmental policies. Locke’s ideas were taken into consideration by the Framers of the U.S Constitution in developing the separation of powers system. The fundamental ideals of these theorists contributed to the promotion of democratization.
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