What did Hobbes and Locke believe the primary object of government was?

To create a just society
To allow people to live their lives in peace and security
To build a society according to God’s laws
To build a powerful nation

1 answer

Hobbes and Locke had differing views on the primary object of government, but both focused on peace and security as central themes.

  • Hobbes believed that the primary object of government was to provide order and prevent chaos. In his view, without a strong, central authority to maintain peace, human beings would revert to a state of nature characterized by violence and insecurity. So, his perspective aligns with the idea of allowing people to live their lives in peace and security through a powerful sovereign.

  • Locke, on the other hand, emphasized the protection of individual rights and property, arguing that the government’s main role is to ensure the peace and safety of its citizens, allowing them to live freely and pursue their interests. Thus, he would also agree with the notion of allowing people to live their lives in peace and security.

Based on both philosophers' views, the most suitable answer is:

To allow people to live their lives in peace and security.