Epistemology (Human Knowledge)

• Leading philosopher of British Empericism

• Supported notion of “Tabula Rasa” - Aristotle

• Mind begins as a clean slate and experiences are the writing on it that constitutes knowledge

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John Locke

Ethics

• Believed in the idea of natural rights and social contract, where governments purpose is to protect and advance the rights of its subjects.

• Advanced the idea of the separation of church and state to prevent authoritarianism abuse.

John Locke

John LockeHis Influence on America … and the Mind• Considered one of the first British Empiricists

• His many writings influenced Voltaire and Rousseau, alongside the American Revolutionists

• His writings birthed the theory: separation of church and state

• His arguments of treaty and social contract later influenced Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson

• Greatly influenced the beginning of the modern Western conception of Self

John LockeThe United States Constitution

Highlighted the four basic rights: Life, Liberty, Equality… and the Pursuit of Happiness

Amended that government must uphold those rights; if violated, then government must change or re-elect

Declared that government is sustained by the governed; it is not a separate (controlling) entity

There must be total equality for all, regardless of individual wealth or status

John LockeHis writings were so radical regarding freedom and liberty that he never dared sign, only his authorship of delivery

His wisdom inspired the thoughts and decisions of notables like Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and James Madison