Locke vs. Rousseau

Attribute	Locke	Rousseau
View on human nature	Humans are rational and reasonable	Humans are inherently good but corrupted by society
State of nature	State of equality and freedom	State of innocence and compassion
Social contract	Consent-based contract to protect natural rights	General will contract for common good
Role of government	Protect natural rights and property	Enforce general will and promote equality
Education	Emphasized importance of education for moral development	Advocated for natural education and learning through experience

Background

John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau were two influential philosophers of the Enlightenment period. Both thinkers had a profound impact on political theory and the development of modern democratic societies. While they shared some similarities in their beliefs, they also had significant differences in their views on human nature, the social contract, and the role of government.

Views on Human Nature

Locke believed that humans were born as tabula rasa, or blank slates, and that their experiences and environment shaped their character and behavior. He argued that individuals were inherently rational and capable of making decisions in their own self-interest. Rousseau, on the other hand, believed that humans were inherently good in their natural state but corrupted by society and its institutions. He famously stated that "man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains."

Social Contract

Both Locke and Rousseau believed in the concept of the social contract, but they had different interpretations of what it entailed. Locke argued that individuals entered into a social contract with the government to protect their natural rights to life, liberty, and property. He believed that if the government failed to uphold its end of the contract, the people had the right to rebel. Rousseau, on the other hand, believed in a more collective social contract where individuals surrendered their individual wills to the general will of the community for the common good.

Role of Government

Locke believed that the primary role of government was to protect the natural rights of its citizens, including life, liberty, and property. He advocated for a limited government with checks and balances to prevent tyranny. Rousseau, on the other hand, believed that the government should act as the embodiment of the general will of the people and should work towards the common good of society as a whole. He argued for a more direct form of democracy where the people had a more active role in decision-making.

Education

Locke and Rousseau also had differing views on education. Locke believed in a more structured and formal education system that focused on reason and critical thinking. He believed that education was essential for the development of a virtuous and rational citizenry. Rousseau, on the other hand, believed in a more natural and hands-on approach to education. He argued for a more child-centered education that allowed for the natural development of the individual's talents and abilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Locke and Rousseau were both influential Enlightenment thinkers who contributed to the development of modern political theory, they had significant differences in their views on human nature, the social contract, the role of government, and education. Locke believed in the inherent rationality of individuals and the importance of protecting natural rights, while Rousseau emphasized the corrupting influence of society and the importance of the general will. Their differing views continue to shape political discourse and debate to this day.