Locke's Political Thought: Liberalism and Enlightenment

Other times, the political thought of Locke is the pure expression of a pre-democratic liberal conception. Key points of influence include the democratic society of the Greek sophists and Socrates. During that epoch, a desire for citizen participation in political problems was notable. For their part, Augustine, Plato, and Aristotle's theories confronted aristocratic perspectives, arguing that those who govern should be wise, seeking harmony and happiness for the country. Aristotle, following his teacher, moved away from idealism. With the rise of Christianity, the idea that perfect power comes from God was introduced. Rebellion against an unfair monarch was justified (a situation Locke saw in absolute monarchy). During the Renaissance, man was exalted as an absolute value, and the bourgeoisie demanded political involvement subjected to rational analysis. This led to the idea that the political system should strive for equal power. This is the conclusion Locke reached. The political arguments of Hobbes (absolutist) contrast with Locke's pre-democratic theory. Locke's political thought influenced history and subsequent political developments. His philosophy, an enlightened liberalism, directly influenced modern European and American democratic conceptions. Locke's influence on Montesquieu and Rousseau is significant, as they adopted his idea of the state of nature. Historically, his political philosophy contributed to the Glorious Revolution in England, the French Revolution, and the independence of the U.S. Constitution (1776/1789). These processes in 19th-century Europe, with liberal electoral revolutions, are why Locke is considered a parent of liberalism and a promoter of the Enlightenment.

Other times, the political thought of Locke is the pure expression of a pre-democratic liberal conception. Key points of influence include the democratic society of the Greek sophists and Socrates. During that epoch, a desire for citizen participation in political problems was notable. For their part, Augustine, Plato, and Aristotle's theories confronted aristocratic perspectives, arguing that those who govern should be wise, seeking harmony and happiness for the country. Aristotle, following his teacher, moved away from idealism. With the rise of Christianity, the idea that perfect power comes from God was introduced. Rebellion against an unfair monarch was justified (a situation Locke saw in absolute monarchy). During the Renaissance, man was exalted as an absolute value, and the bourgeoisie demanded political involvement subjected to rational analysis. This led to the idea that the political system should strive for equal power. This is the conclusion Locke reached. The political arguments of Hobbes (absolutist) contrast with Locke's pre-democratic theory. Locke's political thought influenced history and subsequent political developments. His philosophy, an enlightened liberalism, directly influenced modern European and American democratic conceptions. Locke's influence on Montesquieu and Rousseau is significant, as they adopted his idea of the state of nature. Historically, his political philosophy contributed to the Glorious Revolution in England, the French Revolution, and the independence of the U.S. Constitution (1776/1789). These processes in 19th-century Europe, with liberal electoral revolutions, are why Locke is considered a parent of liberalism and a promoter of the Enlightenment.