John Locke

Definition

John Locke was a 17th-century English philosopher whose ideas on government, knowledge, and personal identity laid the groundwork for modern liberal thought. His theories emphasized the importance of individual rights, empiricism, and the social contract, making him a pivotal figure in defining modern philosophy and shaping Enlightenment ideas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Locke's 'Two Treatises of Government' argues against the divine right of kings and supports the idea of government as a social contract aimed at protecting individual rights.
2. He introduced the distinction between primary qualities (inherent properties of objects) and secondary qualities (perceived properties), which influenced later empiricists.
3. Locke's philosophy significantly impacted the development of liberal political theory, emphasizing individual liberty and property rights.
4. He believed in religious tolerance and separation of church and state, which were radical ideas at the time.
5. Locke's thoughts on personal identity centered around consciousness and memory, proposing that identity is tied to one's experiences over time.

Review Questions

• How does John Locke's notion of the social contract differentiate from earlier political theories about authority?
  • John Locke's notion of the social contract marks a departure from earlier theories that justified authority based on divine right or hereditary power. Instead, Locke argued that legitimate government arises from the consent of the governed, emphasizing individual rights and the protection of life, liberty, and property. This view laid the foundation for modern democratic principles by asserting that people have the right to revolt against unjust governance.
• Evaluate how Locke's distinctions between primary and secondary qualities contribute to modern empirical thought.
  • Locke's distinctions between primary and secondary qualities advanced modern empirical thought by clarifying how we perceive reality. Primary qualities are intrinsic to objects, such as shape and mass, while secondary qualities depend on sensory perception, like color and taste. This differentiation helped establish a framework for understanding human knowledge as reliant on experience, paving the way for later philosophers who further explored empiricism.
• Critically assess John Locke's influence on contemporary discussions about individual rights and government accountability.
  • John Locke's influence on contemporary discussions about individual rights and government accountability is profound and enduring. His arguments for natural rights provided a philosophical basis for later movements advocating for civil liberties and democratic governance. In today's context, Locke's emphasis on government accountability through the consent of the governed resonates in debates about social justice, human rights, and political participation, demonstrating how his ideas continue to shape political discourse and policies around the world.

Related terms

Empiricism:

A philosophical stance asserting that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience and evidence gathered through observation.

Social Contract: A theory in political philosophy that suggests individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and establish a government to protect their rights.

Tabula Rasa: Locke's concept that individuals are born as a 'blank slate,' with knowledge gained through experience rather than innate ideas.