Political Philosophy and Foundation of Government
I think Locke, Rousseau, and Hobbes would each agree that people form government to establish order amongst people. However, their theories on what characteristics drive mankind to do such actions that might need to be governed by law and what the most effective way to manage society varies.
Locke and Rousseau share a more similar perspective in the sense that they believe in a democracy where each individual has a say in the governing of the community.
Rousseau believed laws are only effective when they are supported by the general will of the people. This creates a system of interdependence: he argues that because any attack on one member of the united body would affect the rest, people would develop the duty and common interest to support each other so they all grow stronger together. He claimed that it is impossible for a body to want to harm all of its members so consequently none are harmed.
Locke believed that there was no need for the influence of a single sovereign since the natural state of man enables them to make their own appropriate decisions. Locke believed the main reason people created government and united into commonwealths was to preserve their property–lives, liberties, and estates. He also believed that power needed to be separated to accommodate man’s corruption. Rousseau advocated for a direct democracy while Locke spoke of a representative democracy.
In contrast, Hobbes was a supporter of monarchies and authoritarian governments where the power is centralized. Hobbes believed that humans need a singular governing authority to keep man in check and maintain peace. He claims that “without a common power to keep them all in awe” people are not afraid to create conflict–violent and nonviolent– against each other because he believes nature made everyone equal in body and mind.
Locke and Rousseau share a more similar perspective in the sense that they believe in a democracy where each individual has a say in the governing of the community.
Rousseau believed laws are only effective when they are supported by the general will of the people. This creates a system of interdependence: he argues that because any attack on one member of the united body would affect the rest, people would develop the duty and common interest to support each other so they all grow stronger together. He claimed that it is impossible for a body to want to harm all of its members so consequently none are harmed.
Locke believed that there was no need for the influence of a single sovereign since the natural state of man enables them to make their own appropriate decisions. Locke believed the main reason people created government and united into commonwealths was to preserve their property–lives, liberties, and estates. He also believed that power needed to be separated to accommodate man’s corruption. Rousseau advocated for a direct democracy while Locke spoke of a representative democracy.
In contrast, Hobbes was a supporter of monarchies and authoritarian governments where the power is centralized. Hobbes believed that humans need a singular governing authority to keep man in check and maintain peace. He claims that “without a common power to keep them all in awe” people are not afraid to create conflict–violent and nonviolent– against each other because he believes nature made everyone equal in body and mind.
I think a good government form gives people an equal voice in the creation and upholding of laws. I think that it is appropriate to have a single representative head, president or prime minister but everyone's vote should be weighted equally. The government's mission at all times should be for the better of the people and not based on corruption.
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