Question

What were the political contributions of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes and Niccolo Machiavelli? What major issues took place during their time that might have influenced their political views? Give a brief history of each of their lives.

Answer 1

John Locke (Aug 29,1632-Oct 28,1704) was an English philosopher who worked for laying the foundation of modern philosophical empiricism and political liberalism. The constitution of the United States and the European Enlightenment were inspired from him. His idea was bounded to social contract between citizens, importance of toleration in matter of religion etc. His idea on politics was accepted in England post the Glorious Revolution (1688-89) along with that in US after it being declared independent in 1776.
Thomas Hobbes (Apr 5,1588-Dec 4,1679) was a scientist, historian and English philosopher famous for his political philosophy. According to Hobbes, government’s primary duty is ensure collective security as a device. He suggested the social contract between people for safety and well being. Hobbes under metaphysics defended the ides of materialism, the idea that only material things are real. He advocated political philosophy justifying the wide government powers only on the basis of self-interested consent of citizens.
Niccolo Manchiavelli (May 3, 1469- June 21,1527) was a politician, Italian Renaissance historian, philosopher, diplomat and writer known as the founder of modern political science. He described the drawbacks of the system of politics as immoral behavior like dishonesty, trapping innocents etc. The term Machiavellian is associated with political deceit and deviousness. Many commentators have suggested that Niccolo was a republican whose writings were almost stood as inspiration to modern democratic political philosophy and enlightenment.
These three worked as main contributors to the social change in the society. Criticizing the then existed political ideas and behaviors they tried to bring a structural and moral change in their own areas and fields.