Thomas Hobbes

• British (1588-1679)• Leviathan (1654)• State of nature:

“Life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”

John Locke

• British (1632-1704)• Social contract

theory• Man is reasoned

and tolerant

Jean Jaques Rousseau

• Swiss political philosopher

• Father of the French Revolution

• The Social Contract (1762)

• “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains”

Political Theorists

Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau

Thomas Hobbes• Man is inherently evil • Social Contract

1. People forego their right to everything

2. Agree to transfer their rights to one person --sovereign

• As long as the state provides peace the citizens MUST be loyal—do not have the right to resist the sovereign

John Locke

• All humans have the right to life, liberty, and property

• State is responsible for securing natural rights

• Citizens must be protected from the misuse of state power– Separation of powers– Legislative, Judicial, Executive

• Citizens can relieve officials from office if they violate the trust placed in them by the people

Jean Jacques Rousseau• Citizens should have a positive

claim to property

– Society’s property should be distributed equally

• Main concern is the freedom of the people

• Two conditions of government:

• All people treated equally in contract

• Must ensure differing interests do not exist by making sure everyone has the same amount of property

WHO SAID IT??

• "The life of man, is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short."

WHO SAID IT??

• I believe that the natural state is "a condition of war of everyone against everyone."

WHO SAID IT??

• I believe people are equal and have the right to life, liberty, and property.

WHO SAID IT??

• I support the idea of an absolute monarchy and total allegiance to the sovereign.

WHO SAID IT??

• I believe people have the right to change the government if it doesn't best serve the people.

WHO SAID IT??

• I believe everyone should own the same amount of property.

WHO SAID IT??

• "All wealth is the product of labor."

WHO SAID IT??

• Who believes government is necessary to prevent people from harming each other?

WHO SAID IT??

• I believe that life in a state of nature is purer than in civilization.

WHO SAID IT??

• My theory is what the United States' government is founded on.