Locke
& Rousseau -
We have hundreds of papers on both men!
Below
is just a mere, introductory overview... To preview one of
our in-depth, critical papers on John Locke or
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, visit our PAPER
LIST and email us with a request to look more closely at any
particular paper that catches your eye!
John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are quite
possibly
two of the most important philosophers to have ever lived,
particularly with regard to defining our concept of liberty. Locke
lived during the seventeenth century while Rousseau lived
during the eighteenth century but both contributed their
thoughts to a wide range of topics ranging from education
to property ownership.
Locke’s name is most often associated with being the
founder of British empiricism, Enlightenment and the
belief that there is an inherent goodness in mankind. He
would witness the transition of Europe from the
seventeenth to the eighteenth century, a transition which
would have tremendous changes in the way that basic
societal premises were viewed. While Locke would cling to
his religious beliefs he would vary considerably from the
predominant seventeenth century view that life fell under
the dictates of authoritarian regiment.
In reality, Locke’s beliefs ushered in eighteenth
century values. What the seventeenth century held in high
esteem, the eighteenth century shunned. The laws of God
were replaced by the laws of nature. The many social
classes which the seventeenth century accepted without
question were expected by eighteenth century standards to
mold into one large but equal class. Much like today, and
probably tomorrow, the young criticized the ways of the
old and proceeded forward in their self-assurance that
they would right all the wrongs of old and that their
world would have no inequalities and would be a better and
broader place. While almost all of John Locke’s work was
completed in the seventeenth century they were overall
more representative of eighteenth century core beliefs and
values.
Rousseau would both live in and characterize the
eighteenth century in terms of his philosophies. His is
most remembered for his belief that all should return to
nature. He would contribute substantially to our
understanding of liberty. Locke would lack the literary
brilliance of Rousseau but he also offers much in terms of
our contemporary understanding of the concept of liberty.
One of Locke’s most remembered contributions to religion
in fact was the concept of tolerism, a concept which is
critical to the concept of liberty as well. While neither
of these men were American, their ideals contributed much
to the United States' own system of government and such is
commemorated in the colorful theme of this website...
CLICK
HERE FOR A LIST OF PAPERS!
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