British Political Philosophy - Revision history

Ekmceachern at 12:24, 22 June 2017

2017-06-22T12:24:35Z

Ekmceachern: /* My reflections */

2017-06-22T12:24:18Z

‎My reflections

Ekmceachern: /* The need for society */

2017-06-22T12:21:50Z

‎The need for society

Ekmceachern at 12:16, 22 June 2017

2017-06-22T12:16:15Z

Ekmceachern: /* Political Theory */

2017-06-22T12:14:26Z

‎Political Theory

Ekmceachern at 12:10, 22 June 2017

2017-06-22T12:10:00Z

Ekmceachern: /* Political Theory */

2017-06-22T12:07:51Z

‎Political Theory

Ekmceachern at 12:03, 22 June 2017

2017-06-22T12:03:19Z

Ekmceachern at 12:03, 22 June 2017

2017-06-22T12:03:01Z

Ekmceachern: /* The English Civil War */

2017-06-22T12:01:25Z

‎The English Civil War

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 =Conclusion=
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-During my work on this project I read two very influential works of philosophy, ''Leviathan'' by Thomas Hobbes and ''Two Treatises of Government'' by John Locke. I also realized that in order to better understand these works some historical context was needed, so I added this to the background section of the project. After reading these two works, which hold very different almost opposite views, I made comparisons between the political philosophies of both men and attempted to uncover reasons for the differences in their theories. I also included my own reflection on which argument I agreed with more, and not surprisingly this was the argument of John Locke.
+During my work on this project I read two very influential works of philosophy, ''Leviathan'' by Thomas Hobbes and ''Two Treatises of Government'' by John Locke. I realized that in order to better understand these works some historical context was needed, so I added this to the background section of the project. After reading these two works, which hold very different almost opposite views, I made comparisons between the political philosophies of both men and attempted to uncover reasons for the differences in their theories. I also included my own reflection on which argument I agreed with more, and not surprisingly this was the argument of John Locke.
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 ==My reflections==
-After thoroughly examining both ''Leviathan'' and ''Two Treatises of Government'' I believe that John Locke's argument is most valid and truthful. Locke's ideas are very similar to the contemporary philosophy of many. His writings also helped the United States form our constitution and system of government. Being a citizen of the United States and learning about the U.S. government since elementary school, it certainly doesn't surprise me that I agree with Locke's ideas over Hobbes. However, being an American is not the only reason I agree with his ideas, Locke uses very strong logical reasoning patterns that I cannot dispute, while in Hobbes's argument there are some holes.
+After reading both ''Leviathan'' and ''Two Treatises of Government'' I believe that John Locke's argument is most valid and truthful. Locke's ideas are very similar to the contemporary philosophy of many. His writings also helped the United States form our constitution and system of government. Being a citizen of the United States and learning about the U.S. government since elementary school, it certainly doesn't surprise me that I agree with Locke's ideas over Hobbes. However, being an American is not the only reason I agree with his ideas, Locke uses very strong logical reasoning patterns that I cannot dispute, while in Hobbes's argument there are some holes.
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 Much of Hobbes's work is based upon the idea of fear, and the belief that people fear each other and their leader. He wrote that a person can come to power through universal consent because people of the society fear each other. I strongly disagree with this, I do not decide who I am going to vote for in government because I fear people with different opinions than my own, I decide who I want to govern our country because of my personal beliefs. Fear may be a driving force for some, but it is not valid to make the statement that fear is motivation for all. Hobbes's criticism of human's natural state is harsh and an oversimplification of human nature.
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-I also disagree with Hobbes's concept of freedom. He says that freedom is a physical thing that can only be obstructed by being physically imprisoned or restrained. This completely ignores the concept of freedom of speech. Hobbes writes that freedom and liberty can only be applied to bodies, but Freedom of speech is a concept regarding the mind. Hobbes's belief that it is possible to have freedom under an absolute monarchy is also something that I disagree with. In a society ruled by an absolute monarchy, the King or Queen that rules the country can do whatever they want to and will not be restricted by laws or customs. Under this type of government, which has no set laws a monarch must follow, it is impossible to have freedom because a person cannot know if their actions will be punished when their government has the right to do anything they wish.
+I also disagree with Hobbes's concept of freedom. He says that freedom is a physical thing that can only be obstructed by being physically imprisoned or restrained. This completely ignores the concept of freedom of speech. Hobbes writes that freedom and liberty can only be applied to bodies, but Freedom of speech is a concept regarding the mind. Hobbes's belief that it is possible to have freedom under an absolute monarchy is also something that I disagree with. In a society ruled by an absolute monarchy, the King or Queen that rules the country can do whatever they want to and will not be restricted by laws or customs. Under this type of government, which has no set laws a monarch must follow, it is impossible to have freedom because a person cannot know if their actions will be punished when their government has the right to do anything they wish. However, I strongly agree with John Locke's ideas that in a civil society a majority rule is necessary for the success of the community or society. It is obvious that not all people of a large society will have all of the same opinions and beliefs, so a majority rule is the best way to keep a group of people together.
 =Conclusion=

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 ====The need for society====
-Both men do agree that creating or joining a civil society is necessary for all people. It is clear that they disagree on what kind of government this society should have but both agree that it would not be possible to have a functioning world if no society existed. Locke believes that the best form of government is one in which a majority ruling is in place and also one the has three branches of government<ref name="locke analysis">Ashcraft, R. (2013). Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 17) (Vol. 17). Routledge.</ref>. He believes that these branches should be set up so that they share the responsibilities of government equally<ref name="locke analysis">Ashcraft, R. (2013). Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 17) (Vol. 17). Routledge.</ref>. He also believed that no government, especially the legislative branch of government should have absolute power over anyone. Hobbes on the other hand believes the best form of government is an absolute monarchy. He argued that without the presence of a government with absolute power, anarchy will result<ref name="hobbes analysis">Gauthier, D. P. (1969). The logic of Leviathan: the moral and political theory of Thomas Hobbes. Oxford University Press.</ref>. He argues that humans need a government or they will be left in a state of war and for Hobbes the absolute monarchy solves this problem. The main difference between the types of government that these two men want is that Thomas Hobbes calls for a government with no limit to its power while Locke says that their must be a limit to government power.
+Both men do agree that creating or joining a civil society is necessary for all people. It is clear that they disagree on what kind of government this society should have but both agree that it would not be possible to have a functioning world if no society existed. Locke believes that the best form of government is one in which a majority ruling is in place and also one that has three branches of government<ref name="locke analysis">Ashcraft, R. (2013). Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 17) (Vol. 17). Routledge.</ref>. He believes that these branches should be set up so that they share the responsibilities of government equally<ref name="locke analysis">Ashcraft, R. (2013). Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 17) (Vol. 17). Routledge.</ref>. He also believed that no government, especially the legislative branch of government should have absolute power over anyone. Hobbes on the other hand believes the best form of government is an absolute monarchy. He argued that without the presence of a government with absolute power, anarchy will result<ref name="hobbes analysis">Gauthier, D. P. (1969). The logic of Leviathan: the moral and political theory of Thomas Hobbes. Oxford University Press.</ref>. He argues that humans need a government or they will be left in a state of war and for Hobbes the absolute monarchy solves this problem. The main difference between the types of government that these two men want is that Thomas Hobbes calls for a government with no limit to its power while Locke says that their must be a limit to government power.
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 ====What caused these differences?====
 In my opinion, the differences in the beliefs and philosophical arguments of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes stem from the differences in their upbringing. Both men were living during the time of the English Civil War but lived two very different lives and had different people influencing them. John Locke was raised by his father who was a captain of cavalry for the Parliamentarian forces during the early English Civil War<ref name="locke bio">Bourne, H. R. (1969). The life of John Locke. v.1.</ref>. Naturally John Locke would hold views similar to that of his father and grow to be against an absolute monarchy. Hobbes was on the other side of the things and was a Royalist during the Civil War. Because Hobbes was a Royalist he fled to Paris in 1640, along with many others, during the English Civil War to avoid the likely hostile reactions of Parliament to his writings. His time in Paris with other Royalists probably strengthened his beliefs, further distancing them from Locke's ideas and beliefs.

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 ====State of Nature====
-Both Thomas Hobbes and John Locke write a lot about there natural state of humans, however the results of their thinking and writing are dramatically different. Hobbes argues that people are selfish and only concerned with obtaining power and will do anything to get this power<ref name="hobbes analysis">Gauthier, D. P. (1969). The logic of Leviathan: the moral and political theory of Thomas Hobbes. Oxford University Press.</ref>. The drive to obtain power in humans forces us into a competitive state, according to Hobbes. He also writes that in a state of nature every many is solely focused on preserving and strengthening himself and give no concern for anything else<ref name="hobbes analysis">Gauthier, D. P. (1969). The logic of Leviathan: the moral and political theory of Thomas Hobbes. Oxford University Press.</ref>. Unlike Hobbes, John Locke has a much more complex view of humans state of nature. Locke recognizes that there is a God but does not specify which God this is, making him a Deist like many philosophers and intellectuals of the time<ref name="locke analysis">Ashcraft, R. (2013). Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 17) (Vol. 17). Routledge.</ref>. He argues that our natural state is maintained by laws set by our creator and that humans are not only concerned with the success of themselves, but we are also concerned with the success of our society<ref name="locke analysis">Ashcraft, R. (2013). Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 17) (Vol. 17). Routledge.</ref>. Locke argues that not only do humans want to do things for the common good they also have a duty to "preserve mankind"<ref name="locke analysis">Ashcraft, R. (2013). Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 17) (Vol. 17). Routledge.</ref> due to natural law. These two views on the state of nature are clearly very different from each other but they both do acknowledge the need for free will in a successful society.
+Both Thomas Hobbes and John Locke write a lot about the natural state of humans, however the results of their thinking and writing are dramatically different. Hobbes argues that people are selfish and only concerned with obtaining power and will do anything to get this power<ref name="hobbes analysis">Gauthier, D. P. (1969). The logic of Leviathan: the moral and political theory of Thomas Hobbes. Oxford University Press.</ref>. The drive to obtain power in humans forces us into a competitive state, according to Hobbes. He also writes that in a state of nature every many is solely focused on preserving and strengthening himself and gives no concern for anything else<ref name="hobbes analysis">Gauthier, D. P. (1969). The logic of Leviathan: the moral and political theory of Thomas Hobbes. Oxford University Press.</ref>. Unlike Hobbes, John Locke has a much more complex view of human's state of nature. Locke recognizes that there is a God but does not specify which God this is, making him a deist like many philosophers and intellectuals of the time<ref name="locke analysis">Ashcraft, R. (2013). Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 17) (Vol. 17). Routledge.</ref>. He argues that our natural state is maintained by laws set by our creator and that humans are not only concerned with the success of themselves, but we are also concerned with the success of our society<ref name="locke analysis">Ashcraft, R. (2013). Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 17) (Vol. 17). Routledge.</ref>. Locke argues that not only do humans want to do things for the common good they also have a duty to "preserve mankind"<ref name="locke analysis">Ashcraft, R. (2013). Locke's Two Treatises of Government (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 17) (Vol. 17). Routledge.</ref> due to natural law. These two views on the state of nature are clearly very different from each other but they both do acknowledge the need for free will in a successful society.
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 ===Political Theory===
 [[File:Leviathan.jpg|thumb|''Leviathan'' by Thomas Hobbes]]
-Although he lived during the same time as John Locke, Thomas Hobbes's ideas were essentially opposite of the ideas and beliefs of Locke's. Hobbes was considered a royalist who supported a monarchy, where Locke, as stated above, disapproved of an absolute monarchy. Hobbes's writings in ''Leviathan'', which was published in 1651, aim to show his perspective on the type of government that will create a civil and peaceful society. The text itself is split into four different sections: of man, of commonwealth, of a christian commonwealth, and of the kingdom of darkness. The first part of the book, "of man", contains most of the main points of his philosophical argument and the other three parts attempt to strengthen his arguments by extending them and further clarifying them.
+Although he lived during the same time as John Locke, Thomas Hobbes's ideas were essentially opposite of the ideas and beliefs of Locke's. Hobbes was a royalist who supported a monarchy, where Locke, as stated above, disapproved of an absolute monarchy. Hobbes's writings in ''Leviathan'', which was published in 1651, aim to show his perspective on the type of government that will create a civil and peaceful society. The text itself is split into four different sections: of man, of commonwealth, of a christian commonwealth, and of the kingdom of darkness. The first part of the book, "of man", contains most of the main points of his philosophical argument and the other three parts attempt to strengthen his arguments by extending them and further clarifying them.
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-The majority of Book I is concerned with human nature and Hobbes's beliefs about science and the mind. Later on in the book, in Chapter 10 titles "Of Power, Worth, Dignity, Honor, and Worthiness" Hobbes writes about the concept of power and humans drive to achieve power. He writes, "The power of a man, (to take it universally,) is his present means, to obtain some future apparent good. And is either original or instrumental" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref>.  He splits power into two categories, natural (original) and instrumental. Natural power is obtained from the "faculties of body, or mind" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref> where strength and art are examples of natural power. Instrumental power is power that is acquired from the use of a persons faculties. Wealth, friends, and reputation are examples of instrumental power. He describes the worth or value of a man as being how much power that individual has. Dignity is defined as the publicly recognized worth of a man. Also, a person of high worth is considered honorable and a person of low worth is considered dishonorable, according to Hobbes.
+The majority of Book I is concerned with human nature and Hobbes's beliefs about science and the mind. Later on in the book, in Chapter 10 titled "Of Power, Worth, Dignity, Honor, and Worthiness" Hobbes writes about the concept of power and humans drive to achieve power. He writes, "The power of a man, (to take it universally,) is his present means, to obtain some future apparent good. And is either original or instrumental" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref>.  He splits power into two categories, natural (original) and instrumental. Natural power is obtained from the "faculties of body, or mind" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref> where strength and art are examples of natural power. Instrumental power is power that is acquired from the use of a persons faculties. Wealth, friends, and reputation are examples of instrumental power. He described the worth or value of a man as being how much power that individual has. Dignity is defined as the publicly recognized worth of a man. Also, a person of high worth is considered honorable and a person of low worth is considered dishonorable, according to Hobbes.
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-Hobbes defines a "Law of Nature" as something that can be discovered through logical reasoning. According to Hobbes, a natural law is very different than a civil law because a civil law must be written down for all to know and understand, but a natural law can be deduced by anyone using their mental abilities and therefore does not need to by written down or publicized. The first Natural Law or the fundamental Law of Nature is, "That every man, out to endeavor Peace,, as farce as he can hope of obtaining it; and when he cannot obtain it, the he may seek, and use, all helps and advantages of War" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref>. This natural law calls on us to seek peace because seeking peace helps us fulfill out natural right to defend ourselves. The second law is written, "That a man be willing, when others are so too (as farre-forth, as for Peace, and defense of himself he shall think it necessary, to lay down this right to all things; and be contented with so much liberty against other men, as he would allow other men against himself" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref>. This law is a contract between people and states that there is a mutual transference of rights based on moral obligation. Hobbes also states that this will help us escape a natural state of war. He also writes many other laws that directly follow from these two, which he often did in this fashion.
+Hobbes defines a "Law of Nature" as something that can be discovered through logical reasoning. According to Hobbes, a natural law is very different than a civil law because a civil law must be written down for all to know and understand, but a natural law can be deduced by anyone using their mental abilities and therefore does not need to by written down or publicized. The first Natural Law or the fundamental Law of Nature is, "That every man, out to endeavor Peace, as farce as he can hope of obtaining it; and when he cannot obtain it, the he may seek, and use, all helps and advantages of War" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref>. This natural law calls on us to seek peace because seeking peace helps us fulfill our natural right to defend ourselves. The second law is written, "That a man be willing, when others are so too (as farre-forth, as for Peace, and defense of himself he shall think it necessary, to lay down this right to all things; and be contented with so much liberty against other men, as he would allow other men against himself" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref>. This law is a contract between people and states that there is a mutual transference of rights based on moral obligation. Hobbes also states that this will help us escape a natural state of war. He also writes many other laws that directly follow from these two, which he often did in this fashion.
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-Chapter 20 of Leviathan is focused on contractual sovereignty. Hobbes argues that a person who comes to power by universal consent is able to gain power because the people of the commonwealth fear each other. Similarly, a person who gains power by using force is able to because of people's fear for him. Hobbes is very fascinated and concerned with the idea of fear and talks about it very often in his writings. Hobbes also discuses liberty under a sovereign power and defines being a freeman as, "in those things, which by his strength and wit he is able to do, is not hindered to do what he has a will to do" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref>. He also writes that the terms freedom and liberty cannot be applied to anything but "bodies". By Hobbes' definition of freedom, everyone under sovereignty must have absolute liberty because the only way a person can physically not be able to do what they wish is to by chained or imprisoned in some way.
+Chapter 20 of Leviathan is focused on contractual sovereignty. Hobbes argues that a person who comes to power by universal consent is able to gain power because the people of the commonwealth fear each other. Similarly, a person who gains power by using force is able to because of people's fear for him. Hobbes is very fascinated and concerned with the idea of fear and is a main focus of his writing. Hobbes also discuses liberty under a sovereign power and defines being a freeman as, "in those things, which by his strength and wit he is able to do, is not hindered to do what he has a will to do" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref>. He also writes that the terms freedom and liberty cannot be applied to anything but "bodies". By Hobbes' definition of freedom, everyone under sovereignty must have absolute liberty because the only way a person can physically not be able to do what they wish is to by chained or imprisoned in some way.
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 Hobbes reiterates many times that he uses leviathan as a metaphor for an artificial person and examines the systems of the artificial body represented by Leviathan. A system is defined as, "any numbers of men joined in one interest" <ref>Hobbes, T., & Gaskin, J. C. (2008). Leviathan. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref>. There are two types of systems according to Hobbes. A regular system is when the body of the system is represented by one specific person or a group of people. The members of the system are contractual subjects of the representative, according to Hobbes. An irregular system is one where this representation is nonexistent.
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-To end Book II of ''Leviathan'' Hobbes, writes about the necessity of following the philosophy of his book. He stresses the point that one must know the laws of God in order to avoid divine punishment. It is also important to understand how the laws of God relate to the laws of the sovereign power.
+To end Book II of ''Leviathan'' Hobbes writes about the necessity of following the philosophy of his book. He stresses the point that one must know the laws of God in order to avoid divine punishment. It is also important to understand how the laws of God relate to the laws of the sovereign power.
 =Section 2: Deliverable=

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 ===Life===
-Hobbes was born on April 15th, 1588 and died one December 4th, 1679. Hobbes' father was a clergyman in a very small and poor village parish and was convicted for crimes against the church. This likely made Hobbes' anticlerical tendencies even stronger the they already were<ref name="hobbes bio">Sorell, T. (1996). The Cambridge Companion to Hobbes. Cambridge University Press.</ref>. Hobbes attended Oxford and one of the things he wrote about his time there was that he preferred to read about explorations and the discovery of new land rather than Aristotelian logic and physics<ref name="hobbes bio">Sorell, T. (1996). The Cambridge Companion to Hobbes. Cambridge University Press.</ref>. Directly after Hobbes graduated he was hired as a tutor for William Cavendish, a very rich land owner who had been made a baron in 1605 and was to become the first earl of Devonshire in 1618<ref name="hobbes bio">Sorell, T. (1996). The Cambridge Companion to Hobbes. Cambridge University Press.</ref>. Hobbes taught the William Cavendish's son who was also named William Cavendish and who would become the second earl of Devonshire. During his time with the Cavendish family, Hobbes acquired intellectual interests in politics and natural science. Later on in his life Hobbes fled to Paris as did many other Royalists during the English Civil War which led him to write and publish his famous work ''Leviathan''<ref name="hobbes bio">Sorell, T. (1996). The Cambridge Companion to Hobbes. Cambridge University Press.</ref>.
+Hobbes was born on April 15th, 1588 and died on December 4th, 1679. Hobbes' father was a clergyman in a very small and poor village parish and was convicted for crimes against the church. This likely made Hobbes' anticlerical tendencies even stronger the they already were<ref name="hobbes bio">Sorell, T. (1996). The Cambridge Companion to Hobbes. Cambridge University Press.</ref>. Hobbes attended Oxford and one of the things he wrote about his time there was that he preferred to read about explorations and the discovery of new land rather than Aristotelian logic and physics<ref name="hobbes bio">Sorell, T. (1996). The Cambridge Companion to Hobbes. Cambridge University Press.</ref>. Directly after Hobbes graduated he was hired as a tutor for William Cavendish, a very rich land owner who had been made a baron in 1605 and was to become the first earl of Devonshire in 1618<ref name="hobbes bio">Sorell, T. (1996). The Cambridge Companion to Hobbes. Cambridge University Press.</ref>. Hobbes taught the William Cavendish's son who was also named William Cavendish and who would become the second earl of Devonshire. During his time with the Cavendish family, Hobbes acquired intellectual interests in politics and natural science. Later on in his life Hobbes fled to Paris as did many other Royalists during the English Civil War which led him to write and publish his famous work ''Leviathan''<ref name="hobbes bio">Sorell, T. (1996). The Cambridge Companion to Hobbes. Cambridge University Press.</ref>.
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 ===Political Theory===
 [[File:Two treatises.jpg|thumb|John Locke's ''Two Treatises of Government'']]
-John Locke's political philosophy was guided by his religion and religious commitments. He believed that through reason people can determine that a God does exist and that there are laws that his existence entails. Something important to note about Locke is that he did believe God exists but he never specifies in his work which God he is writing about.
+John Locke's political philosophy was guided by his religion and religious commitments. He believed that through reason people can determine that a God does exist and that there are laws that his existence entails. Something important to note about Locke is that he did believe God exists but he never specifies in his work which God he is writing about, making him a diest.
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 One of John Locke's most famous writings is his work ''Two Treatises of Government'' published in 1689, which is considered to have played a major role in the formation of modern democracy and the Constitution of the United States.  Within the first sentence of the introduction, Locke had already taken a stand on slavery, calling it "vile and miserable an estate of man, and so directly opposite to the generous temper and courage of our nation" <ref>Locke, J., & Locke, J. (2005). Two treatises of government ; and, A letter concerning toleration. Stilwell, KS: Digireads.com Pub.</ref>. In the first part of his book Locke criticizes Sir Robert Filmer's work ''Partiarcha'' by saying that Filmer implies all men are slaves to a divine king. According to Locke, Filmer's system is "That all government is absolute Monarchy"<ref>Locke, J., & Locke, J. (2005). Two treatises of government ; and, A letter concerning toleration. Stilwell, KS: Digireads.com Pub.</ref>, and he interprets Filmer's argument to mean that no man is born a free man and therefore, all men are slaves. Locke uses the ''First Treatise'' to refute Filmer's argument, which Locke says that he cannot support because he believes in reason and that every man has the right to govern himself according to God's law.
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 Chapter VIII deals with the beginnings of political societies. Locke states that once a community is formed, "the body should move that way whither the greater force carries it, which is the consent of the majority" <ref>Locke, J., & Locke, J. (2005). Two treatises of government ; and, A letter concerning toleration. Stilwell, KS: Digireads.com Pub.</ref>. This means that the best, and necessary, way to govern a community is through a majority ruling. It is impossible to remain as one body and community without a majority rule, according to Locke. Under one government, each person has a responsibility to submit to whatever decision has been made by the majority of the group, even if they disagree with the decision.
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-Later in the book Locke writes what he believes is the extent of legislative power. Unlike Filmer, who he earlier criticized Locke believes that government, specifically the legislative branch of government, does not have absolute power. He writes, "No body has an absolute arbitrary power over himself, or over any other...[to] take away the life or property of another" <ref>Locke, J., & Locke, J. (2005). Two treatises of government ; and, A letter concerning toleration. Stilwell, KS: Digireads.com Pub.</ref>. Locke believes that the government has a limit to their power and that they must only use this power for the public good of the people of their society. He also says that the legislative power is not allowed to take property of anyone without that persons consent. The main premise for this argument is that people have rights to their own property and if the government had the ability to simply take anything without consent people would not truly own any property themselves. Extending this even further Locke writes that legislative government representatives cannot place taxes on citizens without their consent.
+Later in the book Locke writes what he believes is the extent of legislative power. Unlike Filmer, Locke believes that government, specifically the legislative branch of government, does not have absolute power. He writes, "No body has an absolute arbitrary power over himself, or over any other...[to] take away the life or property of another" <ref>Locke, J., & Locke, J. (2005). Two treatises of government ; and, A letter concerning toleration. Stilwell, KS: Digireads.com Pub.</ref>. Locke believes that the government has a limit to their power and that they must only use this power for the public good of the people of their society. He also says that the legislative power is not allowed to take property of anyone without that persons consent. The main premise for this argument is that people have rights to their own property and if the government had the ability to simply take anything without consent people would not truly own any property themselves. Extending this even further Locke writes that legislative government representatives cannot place taxes on citizens without their consent.
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 Locke's system of government states that there needs to be a Legislative Branch, Executive Branch and Judicial Branch of the government, clearly this is how the United States government is divided. Locke writes that the legislative power does not need to always be in session creating new laws, because they will have a "constant and lasting force"<ref>Locke, J., & Locke, J. (2005). Two treatises of government ; and, A letter concerning toleration. Stilwell, KS: Digireads.com Pub..</ref>. However, he does believe that it is the job of the executive power to "see to the execution of the laws that are made, and remain in force"<ref>Locke, J., & Locke, J. (2005). Two treatises of government ; and, A letter concerning toleration. Stilwell, KS: Digireads.com Pub.</ref>. This means that the executive branch of the government must always be active, in order to always be enforcing the laws passes and developed by the legislative government, according to Locke.

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 =References=
 [[Category:Philosophy & Religion Projects]]
 [[Category:2017]]

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 === Early Life and Education===
-John Locke was born in 1632, 44 years after Thomas Hobbes was born, and died in 1704<ref name="locke bio">Bourne, H. R. (1969). The life of John Locke. v.1.</ref>. Locke's father, also named John, was a lawyer and later a captain of cavalry for the Parliamentarian forces during the early parts of the English Civil War. During Locke's youth he studied writing and Latin, and also began thinking about some of the important philosophical questions of the time. This is attributed to the fact that his father was so involved in the Civil War and the army that was defying against Charles I<ref name="locke bio">Bourne, H. R. (1969). The life of John Locke. v.1.</ref>. As a young boy Locke attended Westminster School and was awarded the honor of becoming a King's Scholar in 1647. Locke then went on to attend Christ Church, Oxford although he did not enjoy the curriculum of the time and condemned the teaching methods that he went through in his work ''Thoughts Concerning Education''<ref name="locke bio">Bourne, H. R. (1969). The life of John Locke. v.1.</ref>. Locke preferred more modern philosophy to the classical teaching that were taught at Oxford. Locke received his bachelor's degree in 1656 and his master's degree in 1658. He also received a bachelor's degree in medicine in 1675 after studying medicine extensively during his time at Oxford<ref name="locke bio">Bourne, H. R. (1969). The life of John Locke. v.1.</ref>.
+John Locke was born in 1632, 44 years after Thomas Hobbes was born, and died in 1704<ref name="locke bio">Bourne, H. R. (1969). The life of John Locke. v.1.</ref>. Locke's father, also named John, was a lawyer and later a captain of cavalry for the Parliamentarian forces during the early parts of the English Civil War. During Locke's youth he studied writing and Latin, and also began thinking about some of the important philosophical questions of the time. This is attributed to the fact that his father was so involved in the Civil War and the army that was fighting against Charles I<ref name="locke bio">Bourne, H. R. (1969). The life of John Locke. v.1.</ref>. As a young boy Locke attended Westminster School and was awarded the honor of becoming a King's Scholar in 1647. Locke then went on to attend Christ Church, Oxford although he did not enjoy the curriculum of the time and condemned the teaching methods that he went through in his work ''Thoughts Concerning Education''<ref name="locke bio">Bourne, H. R. (1969). The life of John Locke. v.1.</ref>. Locke preferred more modern philosophy to the classical teachings that were taught at Oxford. Locke received his bachelor's degree in 1656 and his master's degree in 1658. He also received a bachelor's degree in medicine in 1675 after studying medicine extensively during his time at Oxford<ref name="locke bio">Bourne, H. R. (1969). The life of John Locke. v.1.</ref>.
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 ===The English Civil War===
-The English Civil War, which took place between 1641 and 1653, was a series of armed conflicts between Parliamentarians and Royalists in the British Isles. The era of the British Civil War began when a large group of Scottish people rejected King Charles I's religious policy. This caused a series of rebellions in England, Ireland, and Wales that challenged the rule of the King<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. The war seemingly began because of religious disputes, however the King's relationship between the three parliaments of the British Isles were questioned and caused political revolutions in 1638-1640 in Scotland and England, before the Civil War actually began<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. These rebellions developed into deeper of the political representation currently in place as well as social structure.
+The English Civil War, which took place between 1641 and 1653, was a series of armed conflicts between Parliamentarians and Royalists in the British Isles. The era of the British Civil War began when a large group of Scottish people rejected King Charles I's religious policy. This caused a series of rebellions in England, Ireland, and Wales that challenged the rule of the King<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. The war seemingly began because of religious disputes, however the King's relationships to the three parliaments of the British Isles were questioned and caused political revolutions in 1638-1640 in Scotland and England, before the Civil War actually began<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. These rebellions developed into deeper of the political representation currently in place as well as social structure.
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-King Charles I's determination to push religious uniformity onto the four nations that made up the British Isles caused rebellions across Scotland in 1637. Charles's response to these events was to treat them as unwarranted rebellion<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. After some time King Charles realized he had been losing control over his subjects and began to prepare for war against them. During the eleven years of Civil war, the war was constant in Ireland while in the other three nations fighting was much more sporadic. The first battle of the English Civil War took place at Edge hill in October 1843, but because both armies fighting were so inexperienced they had to end the battle with no winner<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. In 1643 there was also an attempt at negotiations with the King to get the Catholic religion and property rights of Catholics recognized in government<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. The King surrendered to the Scots in 1646 hoping to drive a wedge between the Scots and the English allies. King Charles I was eventually handed over to the English Parliament by the scots and was imprisoned, marking the end of the first English Civil War<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>.
+King Charles I's determination to push religious uniformity onto the four nations that made up the British Isles caused rebellions across Scotland in 1637. Charles's response to these events was to treat them as unwarranted rebellion<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. After some time King Charles realized he had been losing control over his subjects and began to prepare for war against them. During the eleven years of Civil war, the war was constant in Ireland while in the other three nations fighting was much more sporadic. The first battle of the English Civil War took place at Edge hill in October 1843, but because both armies fighting were so inexperienced they had to end the battle with no winner<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. In 1643 there was also an attempt at negotiations with the King to get the Catholic religion and property rights of Catholics recognized in government<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. The King surrendered to the Scots in 1646 hoping to drive a wedge between the Scots and their English allies. King Charles I was eventually handed over to the English Parliament by the Scots and was imprisoned, marking the end of the first English Civil War<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>.
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 The Second English Civil War was fought in England and Ireland during the spring and summer of 1648. By the end of this war everyone had realized the King was a major problem that needed to be dealt with<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. Parliament reopened discussions with the King, but some people with more radical views wanted him to be brought to trial for what he had done<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. A High Court of Justice was created by the House of Commons to try Charles. When the House of Lords objected to this the Commons declared that they were the supreme government of the nation. Charles was tried and executed and the monarch was abolished along with the House of Lords. This made England and Wales a free Republic and State<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>. Later, in 1652 after more fighting between the nations, Scotland and Ireland were incorporated into the new Republic and the war was deemed over<ref name="civil war">Bennett, M. (2009). The English Civil War. The History Press.</ref>.