Philosophers

Question 1

Thomas Hobbes

Answer 1

• English
• Believed that human nature is characterized by fear, violence, and dangerous self-interest (extreme individualism, where people only looks out for themselves and hurt anyone who gets in their way)
• Believed in dictatorship
• Had negative view of humans

Question 2

John Locke

Answer 2

• English
• Believed that people are rational, intelligent, and reasonable
• Believed that any government action had to be justified by the approval of the majority of people in the society
• Had positive view of humans

Question 3

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Answer 3

• Swiss (Switzerland)
• Believed that people are inherently good and have been corrupted by civilization and society
• Believed in absolute authority, but not dictatorship (people should make laws directly)
• Had positive view of humans