Philosophy of Government: Hobbes vs Locke

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Questions and Answers

What did Thomas Hobbes compare the government to in his book 'Leviathan'?

A mythological sea monster (correct)

A social contract

A group of philosophers

A protective shield

According to Hobbes, what led to the creation of a sovereign power?

The influence of Enlightenment philosophers

The need for a monarch to rule the kingdom

The fear of violent death in the state of nature (correct)

The desire for personal freedom and equality

What did Hobbes believe the social contract involved?

The recognition of natural equality among individuals

The establishment of democratic processes

The relinquishing of natural rights for security (correct)

An agreement between the monarch and the people

Why did Hobbes argue that a king was the best form of government?

Kings are more predictable and stable than elected officials Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the civil war in England in 1649?

The execution of King Charles I Signup and view all the answers

What does Hobbes suggest is the nature of individuals in a 'state of nature'?

All individuals are equal and free Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the people's rights after they agree to the social contract, according to Hobbes?

They lose their right to revolt against the sovereign Signup and view all the answers

What was Thomas Hobbes' view on political authority?

It must be consolidated in a strong sovereign Signup and view all the answers

What was Hobbes's primary concern regarding the church's involvement in government?

The church's power could threaten the king's authority. Signup and view all the answers

Which thinker argued that natural rights are inalienable?

Locke Signup and view all the answers

What role did Locke believe the government primarily served?

To promote public good and protect property. Signup and view all the answers

What was Montesquieu's view on the nature of individuals in a state of society?

They lose the sense of their weakness and increase conflict. Signup and view all the answers

Which system of government did Montesquieu favor?

Parliamentary system with checks and balances Signup and view all the answers

How did Hobbes believe individuals should respond to conflicts between divine law and royal law?

Obey the king or face death. Signup and view all the answers

What did Locke argue regarding the social contract?

It involves an agreement with a sovereign authority. Signup and view all the answers

What did Locke believe about voting rights?

Only men of property and business should vote. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of government according to Montesquieu?

To preserve law and order, political liberty, and property. Signup and view all the answers

According to Hobbes, absolute kings were viewed as?

Beneficial for civil order. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major flaw in Montesquieu's interpretation of the English government?

He believed power was equally distributed. Signup and view all the answers

Which natural rights did Locke prioritize the most?

Property rights Signup and view all the answers

What did Montesquieu argue about the concentration of governmental power?

It can cause despotism. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant outcome of the Glorious Revolution that Locke supported?

The reduction of king's power and the rise of Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

What did Rousseau believe was the source of social inequalities?

The establishment of property ownership Signup and view all the answers

How did Rousseau view the concept of the social contract compared to other philosophers like Hobbes and Locke?

As a fraud against the people by the rich Signup and view all the answers

What was Rousseau's stance on how laws should be made in a democracy?

Through direct voting by all citizens Signup and view all the answers

In Rousseau's view, what must citizens do to experience true freedom in a state?

Obey the laws of the sovereign Signup and view all the answers

What did Rousseau mean by the term 'general will'?

The collective interests of all citizens Signup and view all the answers

What warning did Rousseau provide regarding the disengagement of citizens from state affairs?

It signifies the state may be lost Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following did Rousseau believe regarding the role of religion and its relation to the state?

Religion weakens and divides the state Signup and view all the answers

What did Rousseau suggest about the officials of the government in his ideal democracy?

They should take orders from the people Signup and view all the answers

How did Rousseau view the relationship between individual freedom and societal laws?

Societal laws should be designed to uphold individual freedom Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Rousseau introduce to indicate the collective will of the people in governance?

General will Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Rousseau's vision of democracy differ from that of Montesquieu?

Rousseau opposed the separation of powers Signup and view all the answers

What did Rousseau believe about natural rights in relation to government authority?

Natural rights must be protected against governmental interference Signup and view all the answers

What did Rousseau propose to replace the traditional monarchy?

A direct democracy based on general will Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hobbes's Philosophy on Government

Hobbes argued for absolute monarchy, likening government to a leviathan (mythological sea monster).
He described a "state of nature" where life was "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" due to the absence of laws and order.
Hobbes believed individuals needed a supreme power (sovereign) to impose peace and secure life, liberty, and property.
The social contract, an agreement among the people, gave absolute power to the sovereign (king).
Hobbes believed the sovereign should not be challenged and saw the church as a governmental department, under the king's control.

Locke's Philosophy on Government

Locke argued that natural rights (life, liberty, and property) existed in the state of nature and were inalienable (cannot be surrendered).
Locke disagreed with Hobbes about the social contract, believing it was an agreement between the people and the sovereign (ideally a king).
According to Locke, the king's power was limited by natural rights; he acted to protect them.
Locke advocated for a representative government, like the English Parliament, with representation limited to property owners.
He believed in "light governance," focused on protecting property and promoting commerce.

Montesquieu's Philosophy on Government

Montesquieu viewed humans in a state of nature as avoiding violence and seeking society due to a need for food.
He believed that the purpose of government was to maintain law, order, liberty, and property.
Montesquieu favored the English system, with its separation and balancing of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
He argued for separation of powers to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful, as seen in the English Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy. This concept was applied in the U.S. Constitution.

Rousseau's Philosophy on Government

Rousseau believed humans were naturally good, corrupted by society.
He described a state of nature where individuals were free, equal, and peaceful.
Rousseau saw the social contract as a fraud, where the wealthy tricked the masses into accepting rulers.
He advocated for a democracy based on the "general will" dictated by direct citizen participation.
Rousseau favored a direct democracy where every citizen voted on laws to express the general will.
He thought that anyone that disobeyed the general will of the people should be forced to obey (forced to be free).

Key Enlightenment Thinkers and Concepts

The Enlightenment saw European philosophers debating the best forms of government.
Hobbes supported absolute monarchy, while Locke favored a limited government protecting natural rights.
Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers and a balanced government.
Rousseau championed a direct democracy based on the general will of the people.

Debate Topics (from the Activity)

Representative democracy vs. other forms of government
Power to declare war
Direct democracy vs. representative democracy
Role of religion
Government's ability to confiscate property for the public good

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Description

Explore the contrasting philosophies of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke regarding government and the social contract. Learn about Hobbes's advocacy for absolute monarchy and the perception of the state of nature as chaotic, compared to Locke's emphasis on natural rights and limited government. This quiz delves into their fundamental beliefs and contributions to political theory.