1. "Reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind ... that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions." - John Locke

A. The Enlightenment philosophers emphasizing "reason" was inspired by the Scientific Revolution. When people like John Locke argued that reason "is that law" for determining the ideal form of government and society, what do you think they meant by that?

B. According to Locke's quote, what seem to be the characteristics of his ideal government and society?

C. Do you think Locke's ideas would be a good model for our country today? Why or why not?

A. The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason was in contrast to superstition and traditional beliefs. The Scientific Revolution had shown that there are natural laws in place in the physical world and in the universe at large. Applying similar principles to matters like government and society, using reason will guide us to the best ways to operate politically so as to create the most beneficial conditions for society.

B. Locke's ideal was one that promoted individual freedom and equal opportunity for all. Each individual's well-being (life, health, liberty, possessions) should be served by the way government and society are arranged.

C. Locke's ideals ARE a model for our country today ... or perhaps I should say Locke's ideals are the model on which our country, the United States, was founded. We may want to study some of Locke's political thought to keep our country focused in that direction. Ever since 9-11 and subsequent fears of terrorism, as a nation sometimes we've tended to follow more so the ideas of Thomas Hobbes (a predecessor of Locke), who focused on security as the primary national concern. Locke's focus always was on liberty as the dominant goal.