Thomas Hobbes believed that security was more important than freedom and that people are selfish by nature. He argued society should be structured with an absolute monarch who provides security in exchange for citizens giving up their freedom. John Locke viewed humans as rational and believed people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. He advocated for a democratic government that protects these rights and is accountable to the people. Jean-Jacques Rousseau saw humans as inherently good but corrupted by society. He envisioned a communist government with laws set fairly by the people to allow them to live freely and comfortably.

1. Philosophers Who Influenced The Development of Early Liberalism Lindsay Brown

2. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1697) Interpretations of human history Human Nature Security was needed more than freedom. The English civil war has gotten us to where we are. King Charles struggled with the parliament which lead him to his beheading and lead to a republic form by Oliver Cromwell, a strict Puritan who punished anyone who disagreed with their policies. “Human nature is characterized by fear, violence and dangerous self-interest.” People in the society are only looking out for the interest of themselves, being selfish. Extreme Individualism Visions for the Future Beliefs about how society should be structured Hobbes believed that if everyone gave up their freedom, and gave power to one, that they would declared security. Everyone needed security more then they needed freedom. With freedom, it created danger. He believe that it was not possible to have both freedom and security at the same time. His solution was that everyone give up freedom to a monarch or dictator (one person) who was in charge for everyone's security.

3. John Locke (1632-1704) Interpretations of human history Human Nature John Locke believed in self and identity and making good decisions. He believed that people are rational, intelligent, and reasonable. He believed that the people have created a civil society to resolve conflicts to help from the government in a state of society. Locke’s thoughts were that the reason government was there was to protect life, liberty and property. Beliefs about how society should be structured Visions for the Future Locke believed in a democracy and that the government should be accountable for the people. He believed that people have a right to what they own and he stood up for the idea of private property. He believe that people should not be controlled by the government. He wanted people to live their lives free without jealousy.

4. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) Human Nature Interpretations of human history Visions for the Future People are naturally all free and in principle are equal. Humans are inherently good and have been corrupted by society and civilization. Humans became selfish and there happiness was based on the opinion of others. Competition became a bigger problem as people advanced in society. The dependence upon others made everything more complicated. Humans did not have compassion of the others around. Rousseau wanted there to be a Communist government in the future. The morals and society has laws that are set fairly by the people themselves. He wanted people to live comfortably and freely. Beliefs about how society should be structured Rousseau believed that in time the need for law to protect private property will have to be produced. He believed in social contract and that joining a social contract would preserve the people and let them live free.