Question

Confused with these 2 views please help

Answer 1

Explain the differences between Thomas Hobbes’ and John Locke’s views on government.

Answer 2

Hobbes had the ideas from the English Civil War that all humans were naturally selfish and wicked. Without governments keeping order, Hobbes said there would be "war of every man against every man." Life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." To escape such a bad life, people gave up their rights up to a strong ruler and in return people gained law and order. Hobbes believed that an absolute monarchy was the type of government needed. Locke was more into a more positive view of human nature. He believed that people could learn from experience and improve themselves. He thought that they had the natural ability to govern their own affairs and to look after the welfare of society. He believed that people are born free and equal and government should protect these rights. He thought that the type of government there should be is self-government.