1. Would that philosopher be happy or dismayed at how that idea is used in practice in modern American government, and in particular with respect to the recent shutdown.
1. Would that philosopher be happy or dismayed at how that idea is used in practice in modern American government, and in particular with respect to the recent shutdown.
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Philosopher John Locke
Transcribed Image Text:1. Would that philosopher be happy or dismayed at how that idea is
used in practice in modern American government, and in particular
with respect to the recent shutdown.
Famous English scholar and philosopher John Locke lived from 1632 until 1704. He was one of the
well-known public characters of the "enlightenment period" as well as a physician. He is renowned
for his "social contract theory" and liberal viewpoints. His words had an impact on the political
climate in both Europe and America. According to Locke's social contract theory, the government is
a contract, a sort of agreement between the general populace and those who carry out its functions.
This suggests that the terms and conditions of this fictitious contract must be jointly agreed upon.
Thus, this argument of the contract between society and the government forms the basis for elections,
representation, voting rights, and other concepts. These values also form the foundation of
contemporary US governance, which includes regular elections, the right to life, liberty, and property
ownership for all individuals. The US Constitution contains laws that are based on these values. John
Locke was a strong proponent of liberalism, religious tolerance, the freedom to revolt, and other
principles. These concepts had an impact on the American Revolution and the subsequent drafting of
the US Constitution. Thomas Jefferson discusses drawing inspiration from John Locke's writings. At
that time, American officials prioritized the "protection of estate, liberty, and life," a concept first
advanced by Locke. Section 1 of the Constitution also incorporates his notion of the bill of rights.
Locke's principles are also the foundation of the US Constitution's First Amendment, which includes
a provision for religious tolerance. According to Locke, the State shouldn't have any control over
religious matters if its main function is to safeguard property. He added that there should be no public
endorsement of a particular faith and that the government should stay out of matters of religion. His
conception of inalienable "natural rights" for people also had an impact on the writing of the US
Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. The American Constitution thus incorporates
many of John Locke's ideas and influences.
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