Based on your research, write an essay explaining which philosophers ideas would be most useful today. Provide evidence to back up your claim.

Both John Locke and Thomas Hobbes are famous historical figures known for their

countering philosophies during the Enlightenment Period, which was when European

politics, philosophy, science, and communications were radically reoriented.

Enlightenment philosophers developed theories of how government and society

should rule, and although Locke and Hobbes agreed on the brutality of the state of

nature, they disagreed on major points involving natural rights to life and the king.

In modern day society, John Locke's ideas would be most useful to our people and

our system of government.

Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher, scientist, and historian best known

for his book the Leviathan, which depicts his theories in philosophy. Sorell, Tom.

“Thomas Hobbes.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 29 Mar. 2018. He

believed in an absolute monarchy method of governing, and felt that placing all

power in the hands of the king would be the most ethical decision to make.

According to the “Thomas Hobbes Worksheet”, (provided to us in the assignment),

Hobbes believed the only way to escape the state of nature, that he disagreed with,

would be for individuals to create some supreme power to impose peace on everyone.

This implied agreement wouldn’t meet the needs of modern day society, as our

people want to represent themselves.

John Locke was a professor who studied medicine at Oxford University. According to the “John Locke Worksheet” (provided to us in the assignment), Locke sided with the Parliament against the king, which eventually reduced the power of the king and made the parliament the main focus of English government. Locke is commonly known as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers, and is famous for his theories regarding natural rights. He believed these were basic rights that had already existed in nature, and that they can never be given up or taken away by any individual, not even the king. Locke's theories were used later in history by Thomas Jefferson to write the declaration of independence.

Since our country already follows the Declaration, it makes the most logical sense to claim Locke’s philosophies would be more useful today. In today's society, one of the people's biggest concerns is their freedom and their natural rights. Being that Locke shares these same values, it would be a bigger use to the country to have his philosophies over Hobbes. If we used Hobbes systems and ideas, the country would be more like a dictatorship, which would not flow smoothly. As been noted, people in today's society care about their rights and do not want to be controlled by a harsh strict government. Hobbes philosophies would not do justice today, there would be many people who would be very unhappy, which would most likely lead to a political outburst with many revolts and protests.

All in all, the philosophies of John Locke would be a better fit for today's society than those of Thomas Hobbes, however both of these historical figures largely contributed to our history. Without their ideas, our country could be a different place today.