Thomas Hobbes and John Locke had differing views on the primary object of government, reflecting their distinct philosophies regarding human nature and the role of authority.
Thomas Hobbes
Hobbes, in his work "Leviathan," believed that the primary object of government was to ensure security and maintain order. In his view, life in a state of nature would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" due to the inherent selfishness and violent tendencies of humans. Therefore, he argued that individuals consent to give up certain freedoms and submit to an absolute sovereign authority in exchange for protection and societal order. For Hobbes, the main role of government was to prevent chaos and conflict through the establishment of power.
John Locke
In contrast, John Locke had a more optimistic view of human nature and believed that the primary object of government was to protect individual rights, particularly life, liberty, and property. In his work "Two Treatises of Government," Locke argued that governments are formed through the social contract to safeguard these natural rights. He emphasized the importance of consent and the idea that government’s legitimacy arises from the will of the governed. If a government fails to protect the rights of its citizens, Locke believed that the people have the right to revolt and establish a new government.
Summary
- Hobbes: The primary object of government is to ensure security and maintain order.
- Locke: The primary object of government is to protect individual rights (life, liberty, and property).
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