Philosopher Biography: John Locke - Term Paper Example

?Philosopher Biography: John Locke John Locke is recognized as one of the major philosophers of the Modern period. His seminal thinking in texts suchas an Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Two Treatises on Government had both a powerful impact on thinkers of his time and would go on to influence some of the founding forefathers of the United States, including Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson would once say, “Bacon, Locke, Newton ... I consider them as the three greatest men that have ever lived, without any exception, and as having laid the foundation of those superstructures which have been raised in the Physical and Moral sciences" (‘Three Greatest Men’). Indeed, Locke’s insights in political philosophy make him one of history’s greatest philosophers, with a portion of his writing even being reproduced in the Declaration of Independence. This essay considers Locke’s life and examines some of his major works in establishing his profound impact on the modern world. Locke was born August 29th, 1632. Locke was born into a relatively affluent family, with a father who was an attorney. His father, who carried the same name, was clerk to the Justices of the Peace in Chew Magna. During the English Civil War he served as captain of the cavalry for the Parliamentarian forces. Locke’s mother was also a recognized figure in the community. She has been noted to be a beautiful woman and the daughter of a tanner. Both of his parents were Puritans. This religious influence had a strong impact on Locke’s life in that the strong educational and moral principles became prominent elements of his own life. Locke himself was born in a cottage in Wrington, Somerset very near Bristol. The strong tenants of Locke’s parent’s values emerged in terms of his education, as he was sent to the renowned Westminster School in London. Locke was a standout student at this institute and would continue his studies at the equally prestigious Christ Church in Oxford. At this university Locke would first become exposed to the philosophical works that would come to have a profound influence on his later writings. During this period the university largely taught philosophical works of Greek antiquity. While Locke investigated these works, he ultimately became less interested in them, preferring the more modern works of Rene Descartes. During this period Locke also came to become interested in medicine and experimental philosophy and would go on to become a member of the English Royal Society that explored many of these concerns. Ultimately, Locke would receive a bachelor’s degree in 1656, a master’s degree in 1658, and a bachelor of medicine in 1674. During Locke’s studies in medicine he would become acquainted with many of the most prominent medical thinkers of the period. Among these thinkers were Robert Boyle, Thomas Willis, Robert Hooke, Richard Lower, and Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper. The last of these individual became highly impressed with Locke and would ask him to become part of his collaborative team. Upon joining Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper, Locke would also become under the tutelage of Thomas Sydenham. Sydenham would greatly influence Locke through in terms of philosophical thought. For instance, Locke would Syndenham would have a prominent influence on perhaps Locke’s most renowned work – An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. In terms of Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper’s influence on Locke, there were a great variety of influences in terms of political and philosophical thought. In terms of political philosophy, Ashley Cooper was the founder of the Whig movement and as such the ideas and platforms inherent in this political party would be have a great impact on Locke’s thought. Locke himself would become an active political participant. His first involvement in the political spectrum occurred in 1672 when Lord Ashley Cooper became Lord Chancellor. After this period Locke would travel around Europe as a tutor and attendant to Caleb Banks. He would not return until 1679 when Lord Ashley Cooper regained political power. During this period Locke composed the seminal Two Treatises of Government. While the arguments contained in these works are complex, they broadly represent an argument against Absolute monarchy. The texts also argued for individual consent as one of the important aspects of political legitimacy. While his association with the Whig political party in part influenced these ideas they are also recognized as being highly unique for the period. After this period of Locke’s life he came under suspicion for potentially being involved in the Rye House Plot. Despite their being little evidence that he truly participated in these actions, he moved to the Netherlands in 1683. During this period Locke spent considerable time writing and developing his philosophical and political philosophy. During this period Locke wrote the Letter on Toleration and reworked the Essay Concerning Human Understanding. After the Glorious Revolution Locked returned to England. Upon his return in 1688 Locke published the bulk of his philosophical material. During this period Locke published his Essay Concerning Human Understanding, the Two Treatises of Civil Government, and a Letter Concerning Toleration. After the publishing of these works Locke gradually gained acclaim among the intellectual thinkers of his time, most prominently becoming a hero among the Whig party. As such he would become acquainted with such prominent thinkers as John Dryden and Isaac Newton and discuss various issues of the day. During Locke’s lifetime a considerable amount of major events occurred. Among these events includes the English Restoration, the Great Plague of London, and the Great Fire of London. While Locke was influential during his lifetime, his writing would go on to gain support and have a profound effect on 18th and 19th century thinkers. Among the subjects he had a strong effect on were political philosophy. In terms of political philosophy Locke greatly influenced later notions of modern liberalism (Zuckert 2001). It’s been noted that Locke combined Thomas Hobbes theories on absolutism, with the notion of the separation of church and state (Rousseau 2004). Another major thinker that Locke had a major influence on was Voltaire. Perhaps most relevant for contemporary Americans, however, is the profound influence Locke’s thinking had on founding forefathers Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. In these regards, Locke’s thought had a tremendous influence on the very foundational elements the United States was established on. Perhaps the work that has retained the most contemporary relevancy and importance is Locke’s An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. In this essay Locke investigates the very foundational elements of human thought and knowledge. In this text Locke proposes an empirical understanding of human nature. In this understanding the human mind is born as a blank slate and through life and human experience it is shaped. One will note that this understanding is contrary to theories of humans as being shaped at birth by innate biological elements. In large part Locke’s argument extends from the notion that identity and philosophical ideas are shaped not from these innate elements of knowledge, but shaped through this experience. In addition, these concepts extend to notions of identity. When one considers these notions in the contemporary context their importance is recognized as Locke is beginning to indicate that there are no universal principles of understanding, but rather aspects of existence that are composed of personal experience. A similar dichotomy would later be identified in the split between universal notions of modernism and post-modernism. The second part of Locke’s essay considers the nature of an intelligent being. In these regards, Locke argues for the existence of such a God. He writes, from the consideration of ourselves, and what we infallibly find in our own constitutions, our reason leads us to the knowledge of this certain and evident truth, that there is an eternal, most powerful, and most knowing being; which whether any one will please to call God, it matters not (Locke) Here, Locke is arguing that the existence of God can be determined through examining the very nature of existence and the composition of the self. These ideas would profoundly influence later thinkers. Another influential text is Locke’s Two Treatises on Government. In this work Locke would establish many of his notions of political philosophy that would influence later modern liberal thinkers. In addition, the text would influence later notions of libertarianism. The text itself argues against earlier notions of government that claim elements of society can be established on notions of divinely inspired rights. Locke argues for the importance of the separation of church and state. The second part of this text works from Locke’s earlier notions and builds a notion of civil government. In these regards, Locke proposes a complex understanding of government that is established on the rights of man as a right of birth. Locke writes, “It is evident that all human beings – as creatures belonging to the same species and rank and born indiscriminately with all the same natural advantages and faculties – are equal amongst themselves” (Locke). He explores the very structure of modern society in terms of property and argues that governments must be established on notions of public support. In going against these notions, then the very structure of the government will ultimately fail. When one considers these ideas in relation to later notions of government, most notably the United States, it’s clear of Locke’s towering importance. Many of the ideas contained in this text would directly influence the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Most notably one considers the claims that individuals are given rights from birth. The notion of a government supported by the people is also a prominent issue that is considered as a purpose of revolution against the British government. Finally, one notes Locke’s important articulations of concepts of church and state. One of the cornerstone elements of the later established United States constitution was the understanding of the separation of church and state. These are values that have continued until the present day political environment. Ultimately, it’s clear that Locke’s ideas in this text had a tremendous influence on the very formation of the United States. This essay has demonstrated that John Locke constitutes one of the most renowned philosophers of the modern era. While Locke wrote a number of works of philosophical and political philosophy, he is perhaps most recognized for An Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Two Treatises on Government. These works greatly influenced contemporary thinkers and would go on to have a profound influence on the forefathers of the United States. It is because of Locke’s tremendous influence on notions of government and empiricism that today he is recognized as one of history’s greatest philosophers. References Locke, John. An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/phl302/texts/locke/locke1/Essay_contents .html Locke, John. Two Treatises of Government. http://www.lonang.com/exlibris/locke/ ‘Three Greatest Men’ Loc. http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm033.html Rousseau, George S. (2004). Nervous Acts: Essays on Literature, Culture and Sensibility. Palgrave Macmillan. Zuckert, Michael, (2001) Launching Liberalism: On Lockean Political Philosophy. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas. Read More