17th-Century Thought:
Locke

Quote of the Day:

"And reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind who will consult it that, being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions."

Locke, The Second Treatise on Government

Reading Assignment:

• Noble 546-48

• John Locke, "The State of Nature," from Second Treatise on Government (Western World 79-85)

Writing Assignment:

Based on your reading of the selection from the Second Treatise, write a 1-2 page essay on the following topic:

• How does Locke characterize the “state of nature”?  How does it differ from the state of nature according to Hobbes?

Terms:

John Locke, 1632-1704
Second Treatise on Government, 1689
state of nature
law of nature; natural law
natural rights
life, liberty, and property

Links:

• Portrait of John Locke, National Portrait Gallery, London

• Locke, from the Sophia Project

The Age of Absolutism:  Home Page