Question

Summarize the political philosophy of John Locke.

Answer 1

Locke believed in a concept in which "human nature" allowed people to be selfish. He believed that in the natural state, all people were equal and independent, and everyone had a natural right to defend his "Life, health, liberty, and possessions. However, there are many other concepts that Locke believed in. 

Answer 2

John  Locke believed people are born as blank slates--with no preexisting knowledge or moral leanings. Experience then guides them to the knowledge and the best form of life, which includes choosing to form governments to make life and society better.  

His political philosophy was rooted in "social contract" theory.  According to his view, a government's power to govern comes from the consent of the people themselves -- those who are to be governed.  This was a change from the previous ideas of "divine right monarchy" -- that a king ruled because God appointed him to be the ruler.  Locke repudiated the views of divine right monarchy in his First Treatise on Civil Government (1690).  In his Second Treatise on Civil Government (1690), Locke argued for the rights of the people to create their own governments according to their own desires and for the sake of protecting their own life, liberty, and property.