AP+TS+2013+John+Locke

= John Locke =


 * Aim: Gabriela Elizondo-Craig **

John Locke’s philosophies were those of the role of humans in the organizations of government, religion, and society. One of Locke’s most famous works, Two Treatises of Government introduces the idea of “natural rights”. These rights are interpreted as, “...the idea that each person owns himself and should have certain liberties that cannot be expropriated by the state of anyone else” (“John Locke”). Locke’s intended to change the perspective of government. By emphasizing the importance of the individual as well as the existence of human desires, Locke solidified his message. Additionally, Treatises explores the concept of “social contract” which involves the sacrifice of absolute freedom in exchange for the protection of the natural rights (Uzgalis). Social contract is a notable concept of Locke’s work because the system of government proposed as “best” in Treatises is in complete opposition of the monarchy existing in England at the time. A revolutionary of his time, Locke wrote propositions of democracy and social change.

Sources: "John Locke." The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics. 2008. Library of Economics and Liberty. 17 November 2013 Uzgal is, William. "John Locke." Stanford University. Stanford University, 2 Sept. 2001. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.


 * Audience: Lauren Becker **



Audience Lauren Becker

John Locke's writings wished to reach those who were applicable to the agreement that each individual deserves natural rights. From Locke's The Second Treatise of Civil Government: "The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges every one: and reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind, who will but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions...”(John Locke- Quotes). Through his great intellect and teachings, Locke challenged society to oblige with his rational views on religion, politics, and government. Although his views obtained much scrutiny, Locke influenced others as he articulated his beliefs that the government must protect it's citizen's natural rights and it's citizens must assert their consent and understanding of equality (Broers). Locke wished to reach those of religious standing with his beliefs that God originally created a world where superiority among individuals was non existent. In Locke's Second Treaties of Government, " In races of mankind and families of the world, there remains not to one above another, the least pretence to be the eldest house"(Broers).

Broers, Adalei. "John Locke On Equality, Toleration, and the Atheist Exception."RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013. "John Locke - Quotes." John Locke. The European Graduate School, n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.


 * Cultural: Gracie Taber **

John Locke attacks political and religious authority through his radical essays. He argued for rational religion and his views were heavily criticized for his alliance with science. Many argued that his views were very skeptical and his solution for the existence of the external world was no good. Locke’s views were revolutionary, and in the eighteenth century, they were not seen as such great contributions to philosophy. His views were rejected and misinterpreted, however, today his views have been embraced and his views have been revived. “ We now know considerably more about Locke and the development of his thought than was known previously and Locke scholars have been putting Locke's philosophy in its historical, religious, political and intellectual context” (Uzgalis 1). Today, his influence is at an all time high and his doctrines of natural rights and human rights have changed society. In modern society equal rights to life, liberty, and property are main focuses. Equality is growing and Locke’s views are becoming more prevalent against the conservative reaction. Sources:

Uzgalis, William. "John Locke." Stanford University. Stanford University, n.d. Web. 15 Nov.

2013. "John Locke: Natural Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property." : The Freeman : Foundation for Economic Education. Fee, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2013.


 * Historical: Maddy Skopak **

John Locke was an English philosopher during the 18th century enlightenment era. Locke attended Westminister school and later Christ Church in Oxford. After graduation Locke joined the English Royal Society and befriended Isaac Newton where he then started to study Descartes and look to him for inspiration for his own new ideas. “In 1667, John Locke wrote an Essay On Toleration in which he argued that Protestant Dissenters who objected to some aspects of Anglican worship should have full civil rights” (Sommerville). Locke brought several new ideas into the light during the enlightenment. The biggest of these was that every man is equal. “ Throughout his writings, Locke argued that people had the gift of reason, or the ability to think. Locke thought they had the natural ability to govern themselves and to look after the well being of society. He wrote, ‘The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which [treats] everyone [equally]. Reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind... that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health or possessions’” (C2). John Locke was known as the founder of the foundations of natural laws and natural rights. Sources:

Sommerville, J.P. "JOHN LOCKE." //JOHN LOCKE //. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2013. .

"John Locke." //John Locke //. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2013. . = = = =