Summary
The American Founders were influenced by natural rights philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, who emphasized the importance of respecting people's inherent rights. Hobbes depicted the state of nature as chaotic and dangerous, prompting individuals to seek security. Locke's Two Treatises of Government, published in 1689, discussed natural rights, particularly focusing on property rights and the necessity of government to safeguard these rights. These ideas played a significant role in shaping the founding principles of the United States.
Natural Rights Philosophy
The American Founders learned from natural rights philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, who taught that people have natural rights that must be respected.
State of Nature and Security
Hobbes described the state of nature as a place where people lived in fear of violent death, leading them to seek security from chaos.
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government
Locke published Two Treatises of Government in 1689, popular in the American colonies, discussing natural rights and property.
Locke's Concept of Rights in Nature
Locke, similar to Hobbes, pondered the rights people would have in a state of nature, emphasizing property and the need for government to protect these rights.
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