John Locke is arguably the father of liberalism. Considering that western democracy is founded on liberalism, this makes him one of the most important thinkers of all time.

John Locke’s ideas include the right to life, liberty, and the ownership of property, the right to not be owned as a slave, the non-aggression principle, the state of nature, and the social contract. Other important thinkers from Locke’s time include Hobbes and Voltaire.

His most notable work is his Second Treatise of Government. This book contains almost all the principles that America is founded on, and was largely the ideological backbone of the England’s Glorious revolution and the French revolution.


Factoids tagged with "John Locke"

John Locke is the Father of Liberalism Fact

John Locke can be considered the father of liberalism. His theories on life, liberty, property, consent, and the social contract form the foundation of classical liberalism.

Politics Can be a Science Fact

Politics can be treated as a science (political science), but it must always seek data that can be confirmed by our senses (empirical evidence).

Sir Isaac Newton Was an Economist Fact

Sir Isaac Newton is best known for his laws of motion and gravity, but he was also an economist of sorts serving as Britain’s Warden/Master of the Mint (from 1696 until his death in 1727).

America is a Christian Nation Myth

America is not “a Christian nation” in terms of having a national religion. Despite a majority of Americans being Christian, the Bill of Rights ensures religious liberty for all.

Blog Posts tagged with "John Locke"

What is Classical Liberalism?

Classical liberalism is the ideology of liberties, rights, individualism, reason, and tolerance that comes in a political and economic form.

Where Does the State of Nature Argument Come From?

We often attribute the origin of the state of nature argument to Hobbes, but it can be traced to thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and the Sophists in the 300s BC, and is then mused on by other early philosophers.

The Origin of the Political Terms Left and Right

The modern usage of the political terms left and right comes from the French Revolution of 1789 when supporters of the king stood to the president’s right, and supporters of the revolution to his left.

The Secret Life of Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton produced many well-known works in math, astronomy, and physics, but he produced about as many unpublished works which dealt with theology, alchemy, and the occult.

The Basic Types of Political Parties

On this page, we look at political parties from a historical perspective to better understand the underlying left-right politics all political parties are based on.

Blog Posts tagged with "John Locke"

The Philosophy Behind the Types of Governments

The Philosophy of Governments It can be very attractive to have a list of government types, but yet that list may teach a person very little. Here instead is a look at the philosophy behind the government types that create that list. For a simpler list and look, see our page on “the types of . . . read more