John Locke
By: Lawrence, Bayan, David and Akanksha
Who was John Locke?
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Philosopher and political theorist.
Wrote about Political Philosophy, Epistemology, and Education.
He was concerned about the natural rights of man, and the social contract.
These concepts not only caused quite a stir in England, but it also impacted
the intellectual underpinnings that later formed the American and French
Revolutions.
Where Was He From?
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Born on August 29, 1632 in Wrington, Somerset, England
He studied at Westminster School, Christ Church and the University of
Oxford.
His subjects of expertise were logic and metaphysics in Christ Church and
medicine at Oxford.
He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Medicine in 1674.
Who Did He Learn From/ Who Inspired Him?
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While studying, Locke often complained about the
curriculum stating he would rather study Descartes than
Aristotle
Locke's An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, was
heavily influenced by Descartes’ “way of ideas”.
His mentor was Robert Boyle, who was a chemist,
physicist and philosopher as well as being the leader of the
Oxford Scientific Group.
Locke was also a member of the English Royal Society
along with Isaac Newton, and Locke studied some of
Newton’s work.
He also worked with the Earl of Shaftesbury, assisting him
with various political and business matters.
What Did Locke Believe?
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Locke believed that individuals had the right to hold
property and without consent, it should not be taken.
He thought that citizens gave the power to the government
and people obeyed their rulers for security and law.
When citizens were not given this, they could rebel against
the leader.
He believed that all adults were equal in their natural state
Locke thought that the majority of a community always had
final say and when joining a community, individuals
automatically consented that they would be governed by
majority decisions.
Locke’s Contribution to Society
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Locke’s main contribution to society is his 2 Treatises of Government that
influenced British politics.
Giving citizens power over the monarch was a new idea that soon became
the status quo.
Locke’s ideas travelled to the United States and was influential during the
creation of the Decleration of Independance.
His ideas began to be accepted by the mid 18th century
What is He Best Remembered For?
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John Locke is best remembered for his philosophies on humanity and his 2
treatises of government that influenced many modern politics.
THE END