John Locke

John Locke (1632-1704) was a 17^th Century English Philosopher and physician. He was regarded as one of the key thinkers in the enlightenment, and his theories developed epistemology (the nature and limitations of knowledge) otherwise known as the theory of knowledge. He is also considered to be one of the first british empiricists. The British constitution was based on his doctrines until 50 years ago, and his political theories which he wrote touched on life, liberty and property which appeared in the declaration of independence, which now exists in the American constitution. It must be mentioned that he was a deeply religious Christian who tied his faith in with his theories. He believed in the basic certainties of our own existence, the existence of god, and the truth of mathematics. 

His most famous work is his 'essay concerning human understanding'. The genius of the 'essay' is in it's assertion that men acquire knowledge not through divine revelation or because they possess innate ideas, but because the senses permit him to learn from the external world, and put him in touch with reality.

In my opinion these are the most important parts of Locke’s theory of knowledge:

      >Men are born as blank canvasses; knowledge is derived only from experience.

      >Self interest and the general interest coincide.

      >A man once educated will not act immorally.

      >Ideas are derived from 2 sources; sensation and perception or an ‘internal sense’

      >Perception is the first step towards knowledge

      >Everybody must always be moved, in action, solely by desire for his own happiness or pleasure

      >Private and public interests are identical in the long run.

‘’the necessity of pursuing true happiness is the foundation of all liberty’

Locke’s political philosophies consisted of 5 things; the hereditary principle, the state of nature and natural law, the social contract, property, and checks and balances.

     ‘The hereditary principle' - all men are created equal, all men entitled to equal rights whether it be  to land, life or liberty

      ‘The state of nature and natural law’ - ethicality of a man's actions, right to do something if a certain situation arises. ‘Natural law decides what actions would be ethically right and wrong, in a community that had no government; and positive law ought to be, as far as possible, guided and inspired by natural law’ – Bertrand Russell

      ‘The social Contract’ - ‘Civil government is the result of a contract, and is an affair purely of this world, not something established by divine authority’

            ‘Property’ - every man is entitled to have his own private property.