John Locke’s Theories

John Locke’s Philosophies

John Locke was born in August 29, 1632 in the United Kingdom and died on October 28, 1704, in the United Kingdom. Locke was an English philosopher, who introduced liberalism, and Social Contract. I will be talking about both topics in this essay based on historical facts about Locke’s philosophies.

The Social Contract Theory states that people could theoretically live together in society. By having an agreement that sets up both moral and political rules of behavior a balance would be created in society. Some people believe that if we live according to a social contract, we can live morally by our own choice and not because their religious beliefs require it. Many philosophers have tried to describe an ideal social contract, and explain how they have evolved with time. Philosopher Stuart Rachels believes that rational people accept morality rules that control their behavior. This would only be successful if others around them also accept this set of rules.

Social contracts can be set as common knowledge. Things such as laws that are specific and direct are one level of contract. Though they can also be unspoken, like raising one’s hand in class which serves a universal sign of someone wanting to speak. The U.S. Constitution is often specified as a precise example of part of America’s Social Contract. It states what the government and its citizens can and cannot do in the United States. People who choose to live in America agree to be governed by the political obligations defined in the Constitution.        

Classical liberalism is a political philosophy and ideology that came from the theory of liberalism in which primary importance is placed on securing the freedom of the individual by limiting the power of the government. A liberal is basically someone who wants to help the poor and the seniors without lifting one finger or donating one penny. In other words, they want to help others with other people’s hard work.