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Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau present differing views on human nature and government, with Hobbes advocating for an absolute sovereign to maintain order, Locke promoting limited government to protect individual rights, and Rousseau emphasizing popular sovereignty for freedom and equality. Hobbes sees humans as selfish and life in the state of nature as chaotic, while Locke views humans as rational with natural rights and Rousseau believes in the inherent goodness of humans corrupted by society. Key differences include their perspectives on individual rights, the nature of sovereignty, and the right to rebellion against government authority.

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9 views2 pages

W ARS

Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau present differing views on human nature and government, with Hobbes advocating for an absolute sovereign to maintain order, Locke promoting limited government to protect individual rights, and Rousseau emphasizing popular sovereignty for freedom and equality. Hobbes sees humans as selfish and life in the state of nature as chaotic, while Locke views humans as rational with natural rights and Rousseau believes in the inherent goodness of humans corrupted by society. Key differences include their perspectives on individual rights, the nature of sovereignty, and the right to rebellion against government authority.

Uploaded by

sairasiraj99
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, prominent social

contract theorists, differed significantly in their views on human nature, the


state of nature, and the purpose and form of government, with Hobbes
advocating for an absolute sovereign to prevent chaos, Locke arguing for
limited government to protect individual rights, and Rousseau championing
popular sovereignty for the preservation of freedom and equality through the
"general will".
Hobbes:
 Human Nature & State of Nature:
Hobbes believed human beings are inherently selfish and driven by a desire for
power. In the state of nature, life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short," a "war of
all against all".
 Social Contract & Government:
Individuals surrender their rights to an absolute sovereign (monarch) in exchange for
security and order. The sovereign's power is unquestionable and indivisible.
 Purpose of Government:
To prevent civil unrest and ensure the preservation of life through absolute authority.
Locke:
 Human Nature & State of Nature:
Locke viewed humans as rational and endowed with natural rights to life, liberty, and
property. The state of nature is governed by natural law, but lacks an impartial
authority to resolve disputes.
 Social Contract & Government:
Individuals enter into a social contract to form a government that protects their natural
rights. Government authority is limited and derived from the consent of the governed.
 Purpose of Government:
To secure and protect individual natural rights, and citizens have the right to rebel if
the government fails in this duty.
Rousseau:
 Human Nature & State of Nature:
Rousseau believed humans are inherently good and virtuous, but corrupted by society
and civilization. The state of nature is a state of innocence.
 Social Contract & Government:
Individuals surrender their individual wills to the "general will," which represents the
common good and ensures collective freedom and equality. The sovereign is the
people themselves.

 Purpose of Government:
To ensure the freedom and liberty of individuals through the expression of the general
will, which dictates laws and societal structure.
Key Differences:
 Individual vs. State:
Hobbes prioritizes the state and its absolute power, while Locke and Rousseau
prioritize the individual and their rights, though Rousseau's emphasis is on collective
freedom through the "general will".
 Sovereignty:
For Hobbes, the sovereign and the government are one and the same. Rousseau
distinguishes between the sovereign (the people) and the government (the executive
power).
 Rights and Rebellion:
Hobbes grants no right to rebellion against the sovereign unless the state fails to
protect life. Locke grants the right to resist or rebel if the government infringes upon
natural rights. Rousseau's emphasis is on collective sovereignty and the general will,
which inherently protects the rights of citizens within that framework.

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