Modern Political PhilosophyOnline version Early modern political philosophy that influenced the American Revolution, from Hobbes to Rousseau. by Kristin Morgan (Teacher - Social Studies) 1 Thomas Hobbes 2 John Locke 3 Baron de Montesquieu 4 Jean Jacques Rousseau 5 David Hume In a state of nature, all men are born free, equal, and autonomous Without a powerful central government, life is the "war of all versus all" Men create a social contract (government) to live together peacefully Purpose of government is to protect us from constant state of war & abuses of others Major work is Second Treatise on Government Builds on Hobbes' idea of all men being free and equal in state of nature Men create social contracts (governments) to avoid the "inconveniences" of independence sovereignty is temporarily granted to government: can always be withdrawn Emphasis on rule of law, majoritarianism, and separation of powers Argues the people have the right (even the duty) to revolt against an unjust government democracy is corrupted by a spirit of inequality - the acceptance that legally some are better than others Democracy is corrupted by demands for complete equality in all matters Emphasis on tripartite government: three branches are legislative, executive, and judicial Sovereignty always remains with the people it is not granted to government Republican citizens must be trained in public virtue, well-educated, and of relatively similar wealth His emphasis on the importance of education in a free people led to calls for public schooling Government rests on utility and self-interest, not consent of the people Ideals of justice are based on what is useful to us: it is "just" if it serves our interest and "unjust" if it hurts us Factions (like political parties) lead to revolutions and civil wars Most government is the result of conquest and force, not consent of the people
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