Who is Who?

     Philosophy!! When you hear this word, what comes to mind? When I hear the word "Philosophy", I think of many great philosophers like Plato, Socrates, Baruch Spinoza, and Buddha. There are many other great philosophers I can name, but that will be a very long list. Back to main point, In the 1600s, European Philosopher began debating the question of who should govern a nation. As the absolute rule of kings weakened, enlightenment philosophers argues for different forms of democracy. I would like to talk about two English philosophers who were in that debate particularly John Locke, and Thomas Hobbes. Do these names ring a bell? If not, don't worry i'll give you some info about these two.

     The English Philosopher Thomas Hobbes is best known for his political thoughts. Also being known for writing "The Leviathan",  where he argues for the defense of the absolute power of kings. To summarize The Leviathan in shorter words it would be that he claims there should be a strong, central government  that can hold down the throne, and defend the people from any threats such as war. During the English Civil war, and the glorious revolution, Hobbes describes how depressed he became with the execution of King Charles I, with leaving him questioning our behaviors, and how we are driven by our own selfish desires. Which made him believe more greatly that a strong government should be focused on having one person ruling the nation. Hobbes also warned against the church meddling with the king's government. he feared that religion could become a source of civil war. Thus, he advised that the church should become a department of the king's government, which would closely control all religious affairs. Sounds very strict doesn't it? That's not it Hobbes wrote, "The individuals should obey the king or choose death."

John Locke aka "The father of liberalism", is a English Philosopher who was against the state-controlled systems of kings and churches which dominated Europe. In his book, "Two Treaties Of Government" published in 1690, he generally agreed with Hobbes about the brutality of the state of nature, which required a social contract to assure peace. But he disagreed with Hobbes on two MAJOR points. First, Locke Believed that natural rights such as life liberty, and property existed in the state of nature and could never be taken away or even be given up by individuals. Second Locke believed that it wasn't just a agreement about people, but between them and the sovereign. Thirdly according to Locke, the natural rights of individuals limited the power of the king. The king did not have absolute power, but acted only to enforce and protect the natural rights of people. If these rights were violated by a king or sovereign people had the right to rebuttal, and establish a new government.  After the end of the English civil war, John Locke was in favor of the glorious revolution, without violence or a shed of blood, as it was and unjustified act towards the people.