Question

whigs/Tories were often scholars who had become enlightened by reading the works of John Locke and other political philosophers.

Answer 1

The Whigs and Tories were two significant political factions in England during the late 17th and 18th centuries. Their ideological differences were influenced by various political philosophers, including John Locke, whose works were integral to the development of Enlightenment thought.

The **Whigs** generally advocated for the supremacy of Parliament, individual liberties, and constitutional government. They tended to support the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and were influenced by Locke's ideas about government being a social contract. Locke argued that legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed and that people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. These principles resonated with Whig leaders and their advocacy for civil rights and limitations on royal authority.

On the other hand, the **Tories** were often seen as defenders of royal prerogative and traditional institutions, including the monarchy and the Church of England. Many Tories held a more conservative view, emphasizing stability and continuity. While they also engaged with Enlightenment ideas, their philosophy often focused more on the preservation of established social orders rather than radical changes.

Both groups were influenced by the broader Enlightenment movement that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Scholars and thinkers from both factions contributed to political discourse, drawing on the works of Locke and other philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. This engagement shaped the political landscape of England and influenced the development of modern democratic thought.