AP+John+Locke



John Locke

Michael Lagier (Aim)

The writings of John Locke had the sole aim of making others think about the people and the role of the government. His papers helped people think about how they were supposed to live philosophically and how the government should relate to those people. John Locke was a strong Christian, and his papers on philosophy strongly reflected that, shown when he writes “If God's purpose for me on earth is my survival and that of my species, and the means to that survival are my life, health, liberty and property — then clearly I don't want anyone to violate my rights to these things. Equally, considering other people, who are my natural equals, I should conclude that I should not violate their rights to life, liberty, health and property.” (John Locke). In his writing, Locke states “God’s purpose” for people are what he calls “natural rights” that everyone has and no one or government should “violate.” Locke wrote these papers to inspire people to rise up against unjust government and in a just government to live together in peace and happiness. Locke further states his position on government when he writes “Governments were organized for the protection of all the citizens. Society was formed by the unanimous agreement of its members to live in one community for purposes of protection” (John Locke). Government exists for the sole purpose of the “protection of all citizens,” and according to Locke, this extends to protection of everyone’s “natural rights” that were given by God. Locke aimed to make people think about their place in life through his writings, and he had many results, with everything from inspiring the Constitution of the United States of America to the French Revolution.

Works Cited

“John Locke.” North Carolina State University. Web. 12 October 2011.

“John Locke.” //The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy//. Winter 2010 ed. 2010. Web.

Audience Dylan Mercier

John Locke was a man of many new ideas and beliefs that at the time were considered somewhat unheard of from the world. Locke was consider one of the first empiricists of his time “ Thus, Locke established a clear distinction between knowledge reached through reason, which he thought could be empirically verified, and knowledge reached through faith or opinion, which he thought was mere mental fantasy” (ABC-Clio). Many of Locke’s ideas would have appealed to the group of intellectuals who were beginning to separate themselves from religion. All of John Locke’s work pandered to those who were smart enough to understand what it all meant and why it was important. All of his ideas were covered in his book, //An Essay Concerning Human Understanding// (Stanford) however at the time the ability to read would have been a skill that only the intellectuals at the time would have possessed and even if they could read they may not even fully understand what it was that John Locke was trying to say. John Locke also tended to focus on anyone with high up influence in society with his books like “ Locke wants each of us to use reason to search after truth rather than simply accept the opinion of authorities or be subject to superstition” (Stanford). His ideas at the time would have been nice for the poor and regular masses who he believed blindly followed what was put in front of them. However his ideas were better presented to those of intellect and power who might be able to see past what the establishment was trying to tell that and to see things like John Locke could see.



Work Cited

"John Locke." //American History//. ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 14 Oct. 2011 “John Locke.” //The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy//. Winter 2010 ed. 2010. Web.

Sirtaj Singh (Historical)



John Locke is known today for being on of the first modern philosophers with his thoughts on empiricism and political issues. One example is his establishments of the role of government in human society. An article on ABC – CLIO reveals, “…people establish societies and enter into a contractual relationship with their created government for convenience and better protection of their rights. Thus, for Locke, the only legitimate reason for a government to exist was to preserve and protect these rights, including life, liberty, and property” (John Locke). Here, Locke is explaining to everybody the “only legitimate reason” that government is around, which is an extremely profound statement. However, it was met with great reception as people later used these ideals to build a new nation: the United States of America. On top of this, John Locke believed in empiricism, which is that all true knowledge is received from sense and experience. These beliefs were revolutionary in the 17th century, and were a historical feat. That is why John Locke is studied today to such an extent: he had a huge historical impact on the history of how people thought of the things around them, as well as philosophy in general. Although there is more historical importance to this great man that can be seen through the politics that arose on his beliefs.

John Locke seemed to have a very precise vision of what government should be, and it was later applied in America. An analysis on his effects relates, ““[Locke’s] radical natural right theories influenced the ideologies of the American and French revolutions” (Uzgalis). These revolutions took place many decades after John Locke’s existence, however his “natural right theories” were assimilated by many of the rebels in these nations. He believed that everybody had certain rights that must be protected by the government: life, liberty, and property. The governments in place before the two revolutions denied these rights. Such ideals ended up having a major historical impact on the governments of these nations. They were almost the exact thoughts the rebels had when they were deciding how the new government would be different from the preceding one. It was a new era in the world where people no longer accepted everything they were told, and began to make their own statements about how the world should function. John Locke was one of the philosophers that seem to have started this historical movement that seems to be spreading across the rest of the world, beyond Europe and America.

Works Cited “John Locke.” //American Government//. ABC – CLIO. Web. 12 Oct. 2011. Uzgalis, William. "John Locke." //The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.// //Winter (2010) ed. 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2011.//

Denison Spencer (Cultural)



John Locke’s theories on politics, religion, and the self led to the establishment of similar belief systems, around which much of the developed world is based. In his works, Locke emphasized the importance of liberty, influencing later philosophers such as Rousseau, Voltaire, and the Founding Fathers of the United States. Locke’s theories were somewhat maverick for his time, causing them to be initially met with a general lack of understanding, and therefore rejection. “The doctrines of natural rights and human rights were rejected in favor of utilitarianism. Locke's philosophy was largely misinterpreted and rejected,” (Stanford). While Locke’s ideals may not have been embraced in the form they were originally intended, debate between philosophers as well as politicians over the actual meaning and effect of each theory has affected the shaping of government bodies, religious practice, and even the individual.

Works Cited

“John Locke.” //The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy//. Winter 2010 ed. 2010. Web.