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How John Locke challenged old order in European society

How John Locke challenged old order in European society

The causes or motivations of Locke

The period of 17th century was called the ‘AGE OF REASON’ and during this period, the world was described with respect to the Newton’s law of gravity which asserts that the world is governed by the law of nature[1]. Isaac Newton believed that there was no need for divine intervention in the universe because there was natural law which governs the universe. During the period of political turmoil, Locke introduced the new ideology that there was a need for change and creates a government which follows the natural rights. In other words, Locke was interested in rejecting the old ways and implement new disciplined modes in life[2]. Locke ideas focused on human nature and he believed that human being should enjoy autonomy and freedom and the two could provide happiness and pleasure.

The effects of this challenge

American intellectuals supported the new ideas and the important point to note is that Thomas Jefferson applied Locke’s ideas and Enlightenment principles during the Declaration of Independence[3]. The ‘Age of Reason’ contributed new ways of thinking which were related with humankind. People rejected the old ways which were ruled by an angry God. Individuals concentrated on science and reasons and believed that the two could bring joy and progress. Other important point is that the Enlighten restructured the politics and led to the culture movement of understanding the world[4]. Schools of thought were developed where thinkers implemented new ways such as rationalism and reasoning.

The Enlightenment introduced the Renaissance where strong societies were created through learning and knowledge. Individuals could understand both natural laws and natural rights and the understanding were related with unending advancements. In 17^th century, an intellectual movement in Europe was development and in this movement, Enlightenment thinkers believed that rational thinking was the only path which could lead to human progress. The Enlightenment thinkers implemented the philosophy of deism and social contract theory[5]. In addition, individuals shifted from traditional philosophy to rational thought. The new ways were related with scientific approach and empirical research and the two could help individuals in understudying the world. Through empirical inquiry, the social world was improved[6].

The connection to natural rights and/or the social contract

There was a strong connection between the Age of Enlightenment and natural rights. The Enlightenment contributed to the natural law theories which assert that human being should comply with natural law in performing their duties[7]. The state of nature makes it explicit that human being should enjoy the right and have the self-interest. In social contract, Locke argues that human being should be given their rights and it is a natural law that men should be controlled by a limited government. In addition, men should have liberty in their duties and they should comply with the natural law[8]. In basis of property, Locke asserts that men should own property and at the same time use the natural law in respecting the properties of others. Generally, Locke believed that in state of nature, men should follow the moral law and create ‘neutral judge’ in protecting the liver, properties and freedom[9].

Lasting significance of Locke’s challenge

The new ideas changed the world in that the political ideas were applied in the Declaration of Independence. The enlightenment led to new ideas on separation of power and Montesquieu used the ideas to separate the power between judicial, legislative and executive[10]. The American Constitutions used the three branches which formed the government structure. The societies were changed in that they were governed by the ‘general will’ and there was no concentration of power. The Age of Enlightenment led to culture change where medievalist culture was eliminated and there was Renaissance of art and science[11]. In addition, it led to the destruction of theocratic society which was characterized by humiliation and divine power and created a modern secular with individual liberty, dignity and well-being. It led to civilization and Renaissance where anti-Enlightenment was eliminated.

In modern societies, government and individuals value the natural rights and believe that property, life and liberty should be given to individuals and government should respect them. Modern western culture is created by social contract, reason and empiricism[12]. The modern democratic system is created through the enlightenment ideas. For example, the Founding Fathers used the Locke’s idea on religious tolerance, social contract and more in building democratic institutions. Modern societies use the ‘laisses-faire’ in their market[13]. Economists uses this knowledge in understanding the there should be equal opportunities in the society. Modern philosophers apply the knowledge of enlightened despotism in the society and as a result, there is equality and individuals’ needs are met[14].

Work cited

Berkin, Carol. Making America: A History of the United States. Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin, 2007.

Anstey, Peter R. John Locke and Natural Philosophy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.

Zafirovski, Milan. The Enlightenment and Its Effects on Modern Society. New York: Springer, 2011.