Constitutional 4 pptx

Summary

This presentation discusses key political thinkers during the time of the Wars of Religion, focusing on Hugo Grotius, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke. Grotius introduced ideas of international law and natural rights, while Hobbes emphasized the necessity of strong government due to the flawed nature of humanity. Locke, more optimistic about human nature, argued for limited government and expanded on the concept of the social contract, which became foundational for modern democracies. These thinkers’ differing views on government power and human nature influenced both Enlightenment thought and political revolutions, such as the American Revolution.

Takeaways

• 📜 The presentation focuses on the evolution of political ideas during and after the Wars of Religion, influenced by the Reformation and the Renaissance.
• 🌟 Key figures like Hugo Grotius and Thomas Hobbes are highlighted for their contributions to political philosophy and the concept of international law.
• 👑 The debate over the extent of monarchical power versus limited government is central to the period, with examples like Louis XIV of France and the Dutch Republic.
• 📚 Hugo Grotius' work 'The Laws of War and Peace' is noted for its influence on international law and the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.
• 🌱 Grotius introduced the concept of natural rights inherent to people, distinct from property rights, influencing later thinkers like John Locke.
• 🔍 Thomas Hobbes is characterized by his scientific skepticism applied to politics, as seen in his book 'Leviathan', which argues for a strong central government.
• 🌐 Hobbes' view of the state of nature and the social contract is contrasted with Locke's, emphasizing the origins of government power as deriving from the people.
• 🏛️ John Locke's 'Two Treatises of Government' supports the Glorious Revolution and presents a case for limited government and individual rights.
• 🤔 The presentation emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and philosophical context of these thinkers to grasp their ideas fully.
• ⏰ A quiz on the material is预告ed for the next day, prompting students to prepare by understanding the key concepts and differences between Hobbes and Locke.

Q & A

What historical events influenced the political ideas discussed in the presentation?

The ideas emerged during the time of the Wars of Religion, the Reformation, and the Renaissance, all of which led to a rethinking of government and its power.

Who was Hugo Grotius and why is he important in the context of political thought?

Hugo Grotius was a Dutch humanist, lawyer, and author, known for his work 'The Laws of War and Peace,' which laid the foundation for international law and introduced the concept of natural rights.

How did Grotius influence international law?

Grotius introduced the idea that countries are part of a broader international society bound by natural laws, which influenced the development of international law, especially in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.

What is the significance of the term 'natural rights' in Grotius' work?

Grotius popularized the idea that individuals are born with innate natural rights, shifting the notion of rights from property-based to people-based, influencing later thinkers like John Locke.

How did Thomas Hobbes' political ideas differ from those of earlier thinkers?

Hobbes rejected the idea of divine right and instead argued that government power comes from a social contract between people, which was a radical shift in thinking during his time.

What is Hobbes' 'Leviathan' about and why is it important?

'Leviathan' is Hobbes' most famous work, where he explores the idea of political power, its origins, and the necessity of a strong government to control human nature, which he believed was inherently bad.

What was John Locke's main contribution to political theory?

John Locke contributed the idea that government should be limited and that people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. His work influenced the Enlightenment and the American Revolution.

How did Locke's views on the state of nature differ from Hobbes'?

Locke believed that the state of nature was not as bad as Hobbes suggested. He thought humans were generally good and that government should protect their natural rights, whereas Hobbes saw the state of nature as chaotic and requiring strong control.

What is the social contract theory, and how do Hobbes and Locke interpret it differently?

The social contract theory is the idea that government power comes from an agreement among people to create a government for security and order. Hobbes believed in a strong government to control people's bad nature, while Locke believed in a government with limited power to protect individual rights.

Why is the social contract important in modern political thought?

The social contract is the foundation of most modern governments, as it opposes the idea of divine right and establishes that governmental power comes from the consent of the governed. It is crucial in understanding democratic systems and constitutional governance.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Overview of Government Theories During Religious Wars

The paragraph introduces a brief presentation focused on two famous writers' ideas about government during the wars of religion. It highlights how the period was fertile for new governmental concepts, as thinkers began reexamining the role of government due to the chaos caused by religious conflicts, the Reformation, the Renaissance, and scientific discoveries. The primary debate revolved around how much power monarchs or central governments should have, with examples ranging from absolute monarchy in France to more limited forms of government like in the Dutch Republic and England.

05:03

🌍 Hugo Grotius and the Emergence of International Law

This section introduces Hugo Grotius, a Dutch humanist and lawyer, and discusses his influential book, *The Laws of War and Peace*. Grotius proposed that nations weren't mere possessions of monarchs but were part of an international society governed by natural laws. His work laid the foundation for international law, limiting sovereign power and encouraging lawful international relations, especially influencing the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. Grotius also advanced the idea of natural rights, which shifted from being tied to property to being inherent to individuals, a concept further developed by John Locke.

10:04

🔄 The Changing View of Rights and Hobbes' Ideas

This paragraph explores how Grotius popularized the idea of natural rights, a notion previously tied to property but now attributed to individuals. The discussion then shifts to other thinkers of the era, particularly Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, and royalist who was influenced by the English Civil War. Hobbes, who had connections to scientific minds like Galileo, applied scientific skepticism to politics. His key work, *Leviathan*, challenged divine right theory and presented a new interpretation of political power, which sparked controversy, especially among religious groups in England.

📘 Hobbes' Leviathan: Power and Controversy

Hobbes' *Leviathan* is central to this paragraph, with a focus on its famous cover image symbolizing the monarch's political power. The book argues for political authority derived not from divine right but from human agreements. While Hobbes' ideas on government were groundbreaking, they were also controversial, drawing strong reactions from his contemporaries. Protected by King Charles II, Hobbes managed to avoid severe punishment, despite the controversy surrounding his rejection of traditional religious views on political authority.

⚖️ Locke’s Political Views and Influence

This paragraph contrasts Thomas Hobbes with John Locke, highlighting Locke's political ideas and background. Locke, aligned with the Whig Nobles who supported the Glorious Revolution, wrote *The Second Treatise on Government* as a defense of the revolution and an expansion of his political views. Though less radical than Hobbes, Locke’s ideas about limited government and individual freedom were seen as more modern. His influence on the Enlightenment and the American Revolution is noted, emphasizing Locke’s significant role in shaping modern democratic thought.

🔑 Key Ideas of Hobbes and Locke

This section summarizes the key ideas of Hobbes and Locke, focusing on their differing views of human nature and the role of government. Hobbes, having experienced the English Civil War, believed that human nature was inherently bad, necessitating a strong government for control. Locke, on the other hand, had a more optimistic view of human nature, arguing for more individual freedom and less government interference. Despite their differences, both philosophers agreed on the concept of a social contract, a revolutionary idea that moved away from divine right and laid the foundation for modern government structures.

📚 The Social Contract and Its Modern Impact

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of the social contract theory, as articulated by both Hobbes and Locke, as a foundation for government legitimacy. The theory argues that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, marking a major shift from the divine right of kings. This concept is now the basis for most modern governments. The paragraph concludes with a reminder of an upcoming quiz covering Hobbes and Locke, urging students to prepare.

Keywords

💡Wars of Religion

The Wars of Religion refers to a series of conflicts that took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, primarily in Europe, due to religious differences between Catholics and Protestants. In the video, it is mentioned as a backdrop that led thinkers to rethink the relationship between government and the governed, as the chaos of these wars prompted new ideas about governance.

💡Reformation

The Reformation was a major schism in the 16th century that resulted in the creation of Protestant churches. It had a profound impact on the ideas about governance and the role of the church in society. The video discusses how the Reformation contributed to the ferment of new ideas on government and the individual's relationship to it.

💡Hugo Grotius

Hugo Grotius was a Dutch humanist, lawyer, and author who is considered one of the founders of international law. In the video, Grotius is highlighted for his book 'The Laws of War and Peace,' which argued that nations should operate within a framework of international law and not like entities in a lawless 'Wild West.'

💡International Law

International Law is a set of rules, norms, and standards governing the behavior of states and international organizations. The video mentions Grotius's influence on the development of international law, which was a significant shift from the idea that nations were solely possessions of their monarchs.

💡Natural Rights

Natural Rights are rights that are inherent to all human beings, regardless of local or national laws. The video explains that Grotius popularized the concept of natural rights, which was a precursor to John Locke's similar ideas, and marked a shift from rights being attached to property to rights being inherent to people.

💡Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher who is known for his work 'Leviathan,' which presented the idea that government power comes from a social contract and not from divine right. Hobbes is discussed in the video as having a significant influence on political philosophy, particularly with his views on the need for a strong central government to maintain order.

💡Leviathan

Leviathan is a book written by Thomas Hobbes that describes the state as a powerful entity necessary to maintain order in a world that would otherwise be 'nasty, brutish, and short.' The video refers to the book's famous cover image, which symbolizes the sovereign power of the state.

💡Social Contract

The Social Contract is a political theory that posits that individuals agree to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a ruler or government in exchange for protection and order. The video emphasizes that both Hobbes and Locke believed in the social contract as the basis of government's power, moving away from the divine right of kings.

💡John Locke

John Locke was an English philosopher whose ideas had a profound influence on the Enlightenment and the American Revolution. The video contrasts Locke with Hobbes, noting that Locke believed in a more limited government and that individuals had natural rights, including life, liberty, and property.

💡Glorious Revolution

The Glorious Revolution was a bloodless revolution in 1688 that resulted in the overthrow of King James II of England and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. Locke's 'Second Treatises on Government' is mentioned in the video as being published after this event and as an expansion of his views on the role and limits of government.

💡Divine Right of Kings

The Divine Right of Kings is a political and religious doctrine that asserts that a monarch derives their right to rule directly from the will of God and is not accountable to their subjects. The video contrasts this with the ideas of Grotius, Hobbes, and Locke, who all rejected this notion in favor of theories of government based on natural law or social contract.

Highlights

Presentation focuses on the ideas of two famous writers and their impact on government and society.

The period of the Wars of Religion led to a rethinking of government and the individual's relationship to it.

The Dutch Golden Age produced thinkers who challenged the idea of monarchical possession of countries.

Hugo Grotius introduced the concept of international law and the idea that countries should operate within a lawful framework.

Grotius' work influenced the Peace of Westphalia and later international organizations like the United Nations.

Grotius popularized the idea of innate natural rights, which would later be influential in the works of John Locke.

Thomas Hobbes approached politics with a scientific skepticism, rejecting the divine right of kings.

Hobbes' Leviathan explored the idea of political power and its derivation in a new and creative way.

Hobbes' view of political power was controversial and challenged strong religious feelings in England.

John Locke, from a later generation, provided a counterpoint to Hobbes' views on government and power.

Locke's views on government were more modern and had a significant influence on the Enlightenment and the American Revolution.

Both Hobbes and Locke believed in the social contract theory, where government power comes from the people.

The state of nature is a theoretical concept used by Hobbes and Locke to describe human nature and the need for government.

Hobbes believed in a bad state of nature requiring strong government, while Locke believed in a good state of nature allowing more freedom.

The social contract theory is a fundamental concept in modern government legitimacy.

The ideas of Hobbes and Locke are central to understanding the development of political thought and the basis of government.

The presentation concludes with a warning about a quiz on Hobbes and Locke's ideas.

Transcripts

today's presentation is very short

because you'll be primarily working from

some documents trying to pull out the

main ideas of two very famous writers in

here we're going to look at some of the

ideas emerging from the time of the wars

of religion and in the previously

following about government this is a

very fertile time for new ideas on

government and the person's relationship

to government all these ideas are really

being kind of rethought by thinkers who

are looking at the chaos of the wars of

religion they're thinking about the new

ideas emerging from the reformation and

the Renaissance also coming from science

and all these are really making them

rethink how government works where its

power comes from

how it should relate to people in

particular a really key issue was this

one we're seeing fought Out Among the

political Elites of Europe how much

power should a monarch a central

government have should it have absolute

sovereignty hasn't theoretically I

believe the 13th Louis XIV France or

should it be more limited like in the

Dutch Republic or what eventually

emerged in England that's really the

central argument but it was part of a

broader deeper philosophical sort of

review of government itself and how

power works

one of the figures we're looking at here

is a product of the Dutch Golden Age a

humanist very educated lawyer author

playwright you go groceries he was from

the Netherlands and he was an author of

many different things but we're

primarily concerned with the single book

he wrote he wrote many called the laws

of War and Peace in this he laid out the

idea that individual countries weren't

just the possessions of their monarchs

or really just about the people in that

country alone they're part of a broader

International society that functions on

natural laws akin to those being found

in nature by scientists at exactly the

same time period this idea will emerge

as the concept of international law

the idea that there should be limits on

the sovereignty and actions of

individual countries that countries

should operate not like in a total Wild

West fashion but within a lawful

framework it was very influential in the

way the Peace of West failure was

approached and negotiated and worked out

in 1648. so his impact is pretty big it

comes and goes until his impact will

fade later with the rise of really

Sovereign National States but especially

after the first world war as ideas of a

huge impact on those seeking to restrain

Sovereign aggression through

international law things like the United

Nations are firmly founded in the works

of Hugo Grocers also with him another

important shift is happening

and that's the word rights the four

gracious the idea of a right was really

attached to a property I have a right to

this property I have a right to this

land to the use of it to the control of

it but it wasn't something attached to

people the idea of people having rights

wasn't really there but grocious does do

that he popularizes the idea that people

are born with innate natural rights an

idea we'll see again especially in John

Locke so he's a very influential figure

in a lot of different ways but he also

shows there's major shifts in thinking

happening in this time period and we'll

see that especially in the idea of the

Hobbes and why but do note they're not

alone there are many thinkers out there

who are really addressing these issues

of the relationships of states to each

other

of states to individuals and of the role

of the individual in society they're

affected by the religious changes of the

time groceries was strongly Protestant

but the same time they're also kind of

moving beyond the limits of religion now

keep in mind the same time period will

see Jacques Benin bousway write his

famous article on the divine right of

kings a lot of people have a lot of

different ideas in this time period

speaking of different there's Thomas

Hobbs what an interesting cranky weird

individual character he is I already met

him before he was English he was born in

the year of the Spanish Armada and

claimed at his mother's fright at the

time made him naturally timid I don't

know it might have been a joke he had a

sense of humor Hobbs is connected with

of course the English Civil War during

that war he was on the side of the

royalist of the royal family he

supported the royal family and when

things went sour for them he fled to

France there he became for a Time the

math tutor of Charles Stewart later

Charles II of England who would like

this cranky goofy math teacher Hobbs is

also a scientist he was a pen pal of

Galileo another leading scientist he

primarily thought of himself as an early

scientist what they would call a natural

philosopher back then

Hobbs brought that scientific skepticism

to the discussion of politics you are

not going to see in the excerpts from

Leviathan his most famous book any sign

of God this is not a divine right

approach to politics Instead try to

figure out from there where he says the

power government comes from it's a

profoundly influential idea he's not

totally original or unique here but he's

one of the first to really articulate it

well and effectively and that makes him

extremely influential many people don't

like Hobbs make fun of Hobbs attack

Hobbs but you can't ignore Hobbes his

influences large partly in terms of his

new and creative ideas but also in terms

of people reacting to him most notably

John live

here is the famous cover plate to his

book Leviathan this shows up on seven AP

exams so pay attention look closely at

the body of the Leviathan this great

looking Monarch State thing as it looms

over the land what do you see there that

says a lot about hobbs's view of

political power and how it's derived so

when you're going to read keep this

image in mind but in this case this this

all-powerful state we see here our

Monarch is wielding The Sword and the

scepter of power there's a lot of

symbolism wrapped up in this famous

document the Leviathan explored the idea

of political power where it comes from

in a really new and creative approach it

broke a lot of ground and it ruffled a

lot of feathers it got him in trouble

particularly with strong religious

feeling in England we return there after

the Civil War luckily for him he was

protected by the new King Charles II

which otherwise probably would have seen

him in prison maybe even execute you did

for his ideas see if you can figure out

what's so controversial about them when

you're reading them

the guys held up as the antithesis to

Thomas Hobbs is John Locke that's not as

it turns out quite true lock is from a

later generation and he's on the other

side of the political Spectrum he was a

supporter of the wig Nobles who

overthrew James II he actually worked

for them was a tutor to the son of one

of the leading wig Nobles at the time so

Locke is from the opposite political

party but he's still from the English

camp and as we'll see in the next unit

on science that's really important uh

Locke as a scientist wrote about Optics

he wrote about how the brain worked as

best they could figure that out but he

also wrote about politics in the second

treaties on government notice the Arts

published the year after the Glorious

Revolution it was in some ways an

apology for the Glorious Revolution but

also expanded Locke's views on politics

in many ways lock is actually less

radical than Hobbes but his conclusions

about government and how powerful it

should be are seen as being more radical

or more modern Locke will have a huge

influence on the upcoming Enlightenment

and also on the American Revolution and

the foundation of the new American

government in the 1770s and 80s

by now you should be fairly familiar

with some of the key ideas of Hobbs and

lock two guys who talked a lot about

politics who come from different times

in English History and have very

different views on what government

should be like I think to a great degree

based on their backgrounds anyway Hobbes

unlocked with them you want to know some

key things first off know a little of

their background Hobbs being older

having lived in the Civil War lot being

associated with the Glorious Revolution

know what they believe about the state

of nature the state of nature is that

theoretical idea that Hobbs came up with

but Locke uses to describe the time

before there was government now no one

knew for sure what that was like so

really this is a metaphor for their view

of human nature if human nature is bad

the state of nature will be bad if human

nature is generally good the state of

nature won't be that bad at all you can

hopefully connect that to Hobbs and lock

in their views if you start there with

that premise human nature is bad or

human nature is good that'll take you on

to the next question really which is

what is the purpose of government if

people are bad you need a strong

government to keep them in control you

people are good you don't need so much

government they can be allowed to have a

lot more freedom which of those two

views applies to Hobbes which applies to

Locke do note though they agree on

something which is the basis of

government's power where does that power

come from it does not come from God here

instead you find both deriving the power

of government coming from a social

contract of the people at the time of

the founding people came together to

create government that gave up that

total freedom in the state of nature to

have a government that provided some

degree of security stability and order

that is a huge switch from divine right

like we saw with Bishop Bruce Wayne it's

also the basis of our own government so

it's kind of important so make sure you

understand social contract it is one of

the most important things you'll see in

this whole course the idea originates

primarily from England but it also could

be found to some degree on the continent

it primarily comes from the Protestant

schools of thought at the time it's a

big counter to absolute monarchies claim

to Divine Right and today most

governments in the world use social

contract as the basis of their

legitimacy so it is a very big deal

indeed

tomorrow on the quiz expect to see a

fair bit about Hobbs and lock so you've

been warned be prepared

okay quiz tomorrow be ready for that

talk to you later