Weston - Locke

The Enlightenment was a time of great philosophers who had different ideas for society and government. John Locke was the best philosopher because of how his ideas about society impacted future generations and governments. Locke thought government should establish order in society. John Locke was the best philosopher because he believed in a government that would maintain order in a society of reasonable people.

John Locke was a scientist, doctor and English philosopher who lived through the Glorious Revolution in England. The Glorious Revolution was a peaceful change in government that shaped John Locke’s ideas. Thus Locke did not believe in divine rights of kings. Locke became a student of government.

Since Locke lived through the Glorious Revolution he believed that people are reasonable and cooperative. Locke also thought that people have natural rights that the government should protect these rights that are life, liberty and happiness. There was also a social contract that protected their rights and if wanted or had a reason they could rebel. Since society during the Glorious Revolution was a peaceful and cooperative time that is what John Locke thought of human nature and society.

 Since Locke expected people to cooperate, they had a role in decisions. People should be able to rebel if the ruler is a tyrant. The purpose of the government was to establish order in society. The government should have a contract between the ruler and the ruled. The rulers could stay in power as long as they have consent of the people. The people can rebel if the ruler is a tyrant or if he breaks the contract. A contract between the ruler and the ruled would keep order in society and allow for cooperation.

John Locke was the best philosopher during the Enlightenment Period. He thought that society was reasonable and cooperative because he witnessed it during the Glorious Revolution; it was a peaceful time. A social contract between the ruler and the ruled would be successful if the ruler was respectful of the contract. This model of government has proven to be successful through the modern world, including Canada.