John Locke

As you begin your study of Rousseau...there are some "Enlightenment Thinkers" who came before him. Though we will not be studying these men of history in great depth, I thought it may be helpful for you get acquainted with who they are.

I found this video on YouTube of Mr. John Locke (1632 - 1704).

Some information I have discovered about his ideas about government:

-The human mind is shaped by human experience.
-All human beings were equal and free to pursue life, health, liberty and possessions.
-The state formed by social contract and guided by natural law guaranteed these inalienable rights.

Some information about how his ideas about government influenced American government:

-His policy proposals for checks and balances later followed in the US Constitution.
-He believed that revolution in some circumstances was an obligation.
-He argued for broad religious freedom.