IndexLocke and Hobbes: a comparisonContributions to social contract theoryConclusionLocke and Hobbes: a comparisonWhen it comes to political philosophy, two names that often come up are John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. While they may have had different opinions on some aspects, there are also some striking similarities between the two thinkers. One of the main similarities between Locke and Hobbes is their belief in social contract theory. Both philosophers argued that individuals enter into a social contract with the government to protect their natural rights and ensure social order. This contract serves as the foundation for the legitimacy of political authority in the respective theories. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Locke and Hobbes also share a common understanding of human nature. Both believed that humans were selfish and driven by their own desires. However, they differed in their views on the inherent goodness or badness of human nature. Hobbes famously described the state of nature as a “war of all against all,” in which life was lonely, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. In contrast, Locke believed that human beings were inherently rational and capable of living peacefully in a state of nature, where they have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Another similarity between Locke and Hobbes is their emphasis on the importance of property rights. Both philosophers believed that individuals have a natural right to acquire and own property as a means of self-preservation and self-interest. However, they differed in their views on the government's role in protecting property rights. Locke argued that the primary role of government is to protect the natural rights of individuals, including property rights, while Hobbes believed that the primary function of government is to maintain social order and prevent chaos. Furthermore, both Locke and Hobbes recognized the need for limitations on human rights. governmental power. Both believed in the concept of limited government, in which political authority is constrained by the consent of the governed and the rule of law. This reflects their shared concern for protecting individual liberties and preventing the abuse of power by those in authority. Contributions to Social Contract Theory When it comes to social contract theory, John Locke and Thomas Hobbes both made significant contributions to the concept. Locke believed that individuals entered into a social contract to protect their natural rights to life, liberty, and property, as outlined in his work "Two Treatises of Government." He argued that if the government fails to protect these rights, the people have the right to rebel and establish a new government. Similarly, Hobbes, in his work “Leviathan,” postulated that individuals enter into a social contract to avoid the state of nature, where life is chaotic and violent. According to Hobbes, the role of government is to maintain social order and prevent conflict, even if this means sacrificing some individual liberties. These divergent views on social contract theory highlight the nuanced differences in their political philosophies. In terms of human nature, Locke and Hobbes had contrasting views that shaped their political theories. Hobbes famously believed that humans were inherently selfish and driven by their own desires, leading them to a constant state of competition and conflict. This view is evident in his description of the state of nature as a war of all against.