John Locke (1632-1704) was an influential English philosopher born in Somerset, England. He studied at Oxford University and participated in Christ Church. Locke wrote extensively on political philosophy and education, helping form modern western philosophy. He proposed separating government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Locke's ideas on civil rights and property ownership influenced the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution. His conception of legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government remains evident in American politics today.
2. Biography
Born August 29, 1632 in Wrington, Somerset, England and died October 28, 1704 in
Essex, United Kingdom. Studied at Oxford University where he studied medicine. He
also participated in the Christ Church. He is known as a very influential philosopher
who wrote about many topics from political to education. He helped form the modern
western philosophy. He was privileged growing up so he got the best education when
he was younger he received the district honor of being named a King’s scholar
something that only went to a few select group of young men and that’s how he got the
opportunity to participate in the Christ Church. Locke met Lord ashley soon named
Earl of Shaftesbury they both grew close. Locke assisted Shaftsbury as his secretary and
from there Shaftesburys outlook on rule and government stuck with Locke.
3. Influence
John Locke changed the world tremendously, his ideas and teachings about the human
rights influenced the Enlightenment and the thinkers of that Enlightenment greatly.
He influenced so many during his time that a lot of what he said people still go by
today. His idea of splitting governments into legislative, executive, and judicial were
spread widely though he got the idea from another philosopher he continued that
project. The political ideas that he possessed about Two treatises of Government (one
of his most famous writings) having civil rights and being able to own your own
property were put into the Declaration Of independence and the Constitution. If I say
so myself he had a tremendous influence of everyone.
4. Do you think their influence is still evident in American
politics today? Give one example to support your position.
I think that John Locke does still have a influence in American Politics today since his
thoughts are what help found the government we use today. He directly influenced the
U.S Declaration Of Independence and the U.S Constitution. Not only that, we still use
the legislative, judicial, and executive branches in government today which John Locke
spreaded the idea and put together. We hold votes to and debates to figure out whos
gonna be our president, what’s the best place for my kid to go to school, and the
through of other people's ideas. We still use his ideas though most people wouldn’t
even know.
5. Work Cited
“John Locke.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 27 June 2019, www.biography.com/scholar/john-locke.
“How Did John Locke Change the World? - Locke and Hobbes.” Google Sites,
sites.google.com/site/lockevshobbeswhowillwin/home/who-was-john-locke/john-lockes-ideas.
Rogers, Graham A.J. “John Locke.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 30 Apr. 2020,
www.britannica.com/biography/John-Locke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZiWZJgJT7I
