A Brief Biography of John Locke

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John Locke a famous political philosopher left his mark in history through his writings, his political philosophy, and his studies of knowledge, understanding and education. Locke well educated received some of his education at Westminster in London, moving onto earn his Masters of Arts in 1658. Locke studied logic, metaphysics and old languages. (Biography Channel, 2013) Locke’s studies in logic and understanding apparent in his writings throughout his lifetime. Locke’s political philosophy took root in Europe. Europeans experienced a high level of turmoil and chaos ruled by Kings in Absolutism. Locke introduced his thoughts on what government should be to the Europeans and through his philosophy; the Bill of Rights created.

For example, Locke firmly expressed views that government is justly obligated to serve the people that they represent. Locke adamantly expressed government obligations included the protection of life, freedom and land. He submitted that the ideal government was a “representative government and a rule of law.” (Powell, 1996) Believing that government should not overstep individual’s natural rights, and when government rules by stepping on rights of the people, their only recourse from oppression is rebellion. “Two Tracts on Government” (Online Library of Liberty, 2010) written by Locke explaining his views of how government functions published in 1667. Locke wrote Essays on the Law of Nature, Concerning Toleration, and helped in drafting “The Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina in 1669 (Online Library of Liberty, 2010). The essence of aforementioned writing contained views and philosophy about separating church and state, which continue to be one of the basis of the Bill of Rights.

Loc...

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...derstanding, in the balance of decision, that is in the quality of his behaviors, that Locke stood out as a man in the times he lived in and there were fewer men equal to him or above him in understanding. (Powell, 1996)

References:

John Locke. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved Nov 10, 2013, from http://www.biography.com/people/john-locke-9384544

John Locke Chronology. (2010). The Online Library of Liberty website. Retrieved Nov 10, 2013, from http://oll.libertyfund.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1586&Itemid=273

Powell. J. (1996). John Locke: Natural Rights to Life, Liberty and Property Locke’s Writings Did Much to Inspire the American Revolution. The Freeman Foundation website. Retrieved Nov 10, 2013 from http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/john-locke-natural-rights-to-life-liberty-and-property#axzz2kGYRgGTn

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