Political Philosophies Hobbes Locke Montesquieu G 1 b
Political Philosophies: Hobbes, Locke, & Montesquieu G 1 b. Analyze the writings of Hobbes (Leviathan), Locke (Second Treatise on Government), and Montesquieu (The Spirit of Laws) as they affect our concept of government.
Bellringer Read the article and create a circle map of ONE of the origin theories!
Why do governments form? • Force Theory- The idea that when one person or a small group of people claim control over an area and force those living there to follow their rules. • Divine Right Theory- The ideas that God created the state and that God had given those of ‘royal birth’ the right to rule. • Evolutionary Theory- The state and government just naturally developed during early human civilization. • Social Contract Theory- The idea that people willingly give up their own power and rights in order to maintain social order.
Thomas Hobbes • Wrote Leviathan • State of nature is the philosophy regarding how humans would act without any government. • Hobbes believed the state of nature in which man lived before the formation of society was founded on a savage selfishness, which drove man to obtain pleasure without concern for justice or mercy toward other men.
Hobbes • State of War: Hobbes’ belief that people were always at war with one another, a war of all against all. Each individual did anything they please and were in constant fear for their lives. • Hobbes felt that nations, like people, were selfishly motivated and constantly fighting for power and wealth. • Hobbes believed governments were necessary to protect individuals from one another (provide safety and order)
John Locke • Wrote Second Treatise on Government • People are basically reasonable and sociable, but they are self interested. People who are smarter and stronger would often try to take away the life, liberty, and property of the weak. • In a state of nature, your rights and their enjoyment would be insecure. You would be in constant danger of losing them. • The best way to solve this problem: each individual agrees to work together to create and live under a government and give it the power to make and enforce laws.
Baron de Montesqueiu • Wrote: The Spirit of Laws • Political liberty exists only when governments treat people fairly • If we give people power, it is human nature that they will abuse power, so if we give someone in government too much power, they will abuse it • Governments have to be structured in a way that prevent an abuse of power, so people don’t loose their political liberty. • Leads to ideas of LIMITED GOVERNMENT!
Closing Create a circle map for TWO of the philosophers we have talked about today (Hobbes, Montesquieu, or Locke). -Add at least 4 characteristics of each philosopher in your thinking map!
CLOSING • 1. Answer the EQ: What philosophers contributed to the foundations of American Government? • What writings did each philosopher create? • Do you agree with Locke or Hobbes? Why or why not?
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