Activity
Handout B: Comparing and Contrasting Hobbes and Locke
Founding Principles
Directions
Handout B: Comparing and Contrasting Hobbes and Locke
Instructions: Work with your assigned groups to complete the table and answer the questions below.
(Fillable Chart in PDF)
Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) – Leviathan (1660)
- What is man’s natural condition?
- What are man’s natural rights?
- What is the proper role of government?
John Locke (1632–1704) – Second Treatise on Civil Government (1690)
- What is man’s natural condition?
- What are man’s natural rights?
- What is the proper role of government?
Questions
- Both of these writers are known as social contract theorists. In which, if either, conception of society do people have more natural rights? More legal rights?
- On what points do they have the most in common? On what points do they differ the most?
- Which theorist’s ideas do you think had greater influence on the Founding of the United States? Why?
- Identify and discuss some especially memorable passages from both authors. How do these readings help you better understand natural rights and legal rights?