John Locke's Philosophy
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John Locke entered this world in Wrington, Somerset to a Protestant family on August 29, 1632. John Locke’s mother died when he was very young, in fact, an infant and his father was a hardworking attorney. His father’s name was also John. John was taught by his father at an early age about hard work, moderation, simplicity, as well as, the love of freedom and liberty. John Locke attended Westminster School from 1646 to 1651 in London. From there Locke was chosen for a studentship in 1652 at Christ Church College, Oxford University, which meant he would have a lifetime of fellowship and study there. Locke “distinguished himself there, especially among his fellow students, by his talents and learning” (Faiella, 2006, p. 25). He studied
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In Locke’s view, a rational person was a moral person who lived by moral laws that were created. His theory included the thought that morality was the basis of human society (Faiella, 2006, p.71). Locke believed that God gave us the ability to reason to help us in the search of truth. To aid us, “God created in us a natural aversion to misery and a desire for happiness, so we avoid things that cause us pain and seek out pleasure instead” (SparkNotes Editors, 2005). Since God created us, we can reason that God wants everyone to be happy. Locke stated the freedom of man “is grounded on his having reason, which is able to instruct him in that law he is to govern himself by, and make him known how far he is left to the freedom of his own will” (Barker, 1960, p.36).
Other key theories included rule of government, that every individual have the moral obligation to rebel against a government that has lost sight that it exists for the people’s benefit only. The right of private property theory, revealing that every man had a right to self-preserve, survive and be happy. Also, theory of knowledge, that all knowledge come from and through experience, that beginning at birth, we experience our world through our five senses, filling our minds with ideas. (Velasquez, 2014, p.
In Locke’s view, a rational person was a moral person who lived by moral laws that were created. His theory included the thought that morality was the basis of human society (Faiella, 2006, p.71). Locke believed that God gave us the ability to reason to help us in the search of truth. To aid us, “God created in us a natural aversion to misery and a desire for happiness, so we avoid things that cause us pain and seek out pleasure instead” (SparkNotes Editors, 2005). Since God created us, we can reason that God wants everyone to be happy. Locke stated the freedom of man “is grounded on his having reason, which is able to instruct him in that law he is to govern himself by, and make him known how far he is left to the freedom of his own will” (Barker, 1960, p.36).
Other key theories included rule of government, that every individual have the moral obligation to rebel against a government that has lost sight that it exists for the people’s benefit only. The right of private property theory, revealing that every man had a right to self-preserve, survive and be happy. Also, theory of knowledge, that all knowledge come from and through experience, that beginning at birth, we experience our world through our five senses, filling our minds with ideas. (Velasquez, 2014, p.