There were many things that influenced Locke’s philosophy, including the times he lived in, his peers at school, other philosophers and more. Strathern notes that, “ Locke attempted to live a life that was almost as dull as his philosophy. Fortunately for us, though not for him, he lived in exciting times and couldn’t avoid getting involved” (Strahern, 1999, p.11). At the time of Locke’s birth the country was in turmoil. “ The normal functions of the constitution were in a state of suspense at the time of Locke’s birth; for the last of Charles’s three short Parliaments had been dissolved in 1629, and the next was the Long Parliament, summoned eleven years after. The church, too, was becoming an influential factor in the incipient commotion” (Fraser, 1890, p.3). The turmoil boiled over and erupted into a civil war.
The war was a culmination of a long standing dispute between King Charles I and Parliament. Charles believed in the divine right of kings, according to which the monarch received his authority directly from God, and thus was not answerable to institutions run by mere mortals, such as Parliament. The members of Parliament, who were responsible for voting the king his cash, thought otherwise (Strathern, 1999, p. 12). These events led directly to a change in Locke’s beliefs. Strathern notes that Locke grew up in a home that supported the Parliament but while he was at Westminster, he supported the Royalist view in part because he didn’t like the fact that King Charles I was executed by the Parliament (Strathern, 1999, p. 16). This is a view that would change again later in his life and become the basis for his now well-known beliefs about government.
Another important influence on Locke was John Owen, the dean of Oxford. Owen was an advocate for tolerance and the right to free expression of religious beliefs (Fraser, 1890, 8-12). Locke’s father also was a major influence on his beliefs and character. Although, there is some dispute of whether that influence was positive or negative. Fraser comments that,
The war was a culmination of a long standing dispute between King Charles I and Parliament. Charles believed in the divine right of kings, according to which the monarch received his authority directly from God, and thus was not answerable to institutions run by mere mortals, such as Parliament. The members of Parliament, who were responsible for voting the king his cash, thought otherwise (Strathern, 1999, p. 12). These events led directly to a change in Locke’s beliefs. Strathern notes that Locke grew up in a home that supported the Parliament but while he was at Westminster, he supported the Royalist view in part because he didn’t like the fact that King Charles I was executed by the Parliament (Strathern, 1999, p. 16). This is a view that would change again later in his life and become the basis for his now well-known beliefs about government.
Another important influence on Locke was John Owen, the dean of Oxford. Owen was an advocate for tolerance and the right to free expression of religious beliefs (Fraser, 1890, 8-12). Locke’s father also was a major influence on his beliefs and character. Although, there is some dispute of whether that influence was positive or negative. Fraser comments that,
The father, who was a country attorney, survived her and died in 1661,- by precept and example a considerable influence in the formation of his son’s character. “From Mr. Locke,” Lady Masham says, “I have often heard of his father that he was a man of parts. Mr. Locke never mentioned him but with great respect and affection. His father used conduct towards him when young that he often spoke of afterwards with great approbation. It was the being severe to him, by keeping him in much awe and at a distance when he was a boy, but relaxing still be degrees of that severity as he grew up to be a man, till, he being become capable of it, he lived perfectly with him as a friend” (Fraser, 1890, p.5)
Fraser’s view makes it seem as though Locke and his father developed a good relationship but Strathern’s view is far more negative. He points to Locke’s actions when his father fell ill as a sign that Locke may have held some resentment for the way he was raised (Strathern, 1999, p.20).
Strathern also points to several well known philosophers that influenced Locke. They were Descartes, Gassenri, and Thomas Hobbes (Strathern, 1999, p. 24-27).
Strathern also points to several well known philosophers that influenced Locke. They were Descartes, Gassenri, and Thomas Hobbes (Strathern, 1999, p. 24-27).
John Locke wrote several pieces of literature that explained his philosophies. His philosophy on the purpose of government is explained in the Two Treatises of Government. Strathern explains that Locke believed that the law of nature granted people natural rights, meaning that humans have the right to life and the right to liberty so long as those rights do not infringe on the natural rights of others (Strathern, 1999, 51). Strathern goes onto explain that the consent of the people is the sole basis for a government’s authority and that government’s sole purpose was to protect the natural rights of people (Strathern, 1999, 52-53).
Locke much like John Owen, also preached religious tolerance. In his essay. A letter Concerning Toleration, Locke writes
"since you are pleased to inquire what are my thoughts about the mutual toleration of Christians in their different professions of religion, I must needs answer you freely that I esteem that toleration to be the chief characteristic mark of the true Church. (Locke, 1937, p.1) ". In this letter Locke goes on to argue that a state imposed religion would do more harm than good. Locke points out a very practical reason for why a state imposed religion is a bad idea. He points out that just because people are forced to adhere to a religious policy does not mean that they actually believe in it. He also points out that a true believer does not have the power to choose one’s own beliefs. And if they don’t believe in it, than they are lying to God. Locke writes
For it is absurd that things should be enjoyed by laws which are not in men’s power to perform. And to believe this or that to be true does not depend upon our will. But of this enough has been said already. “But” will some say; “ let man atleast profess that they believe.” A sweet religion, indeed that obliges man, to dissemble and tell lies, both to God and man for the salvation of their souls! (Locke, 1937, 15).
Finally, Locke wrote an essay on human knowledge called An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. In this essay, Locke outlines how he believes human knowledge is derived. Strathern explains Locke’s philosophy on human knowledge as beginning with a blank sheet.
According to Locke we have no such thing as intuitive ideas about right and wrong, God etc…. We begin with a tabula rosa (blank sheet). Human knowledge is derived from outer experience, and reflection, which enables us to discover what goes on in our minds. We use reason to draw conclusions from these experiences. In this way we arrive at generalizations, laws and the truths about mathematics. (Strathern, 1999, 42-45).
Locke much like John Owen, also preached religious tolerance. In his essay. A letter Concerning Toleration, Locke writes
"since you are pleased to inquire what are my thoughts about the mutual toleration of Christians in their different professions of religion, I must needs answer you freely that I esteem that toleration to be the chief characteristic mark of the true Church. (Locke, 1937, p.1) ". In this letter Locke goes on to argue that a state imposed religion would do more harm than good. Locke points out a very practical reason for why a state imposed religion is a bad idea. He points out that just because people are forced to adhere to a religious policy does not mean that they actually believe in it. He also points out that a true believer does not have the power to choose one’s own beliefs. And if they don’t believe in it, than they are lying to God. Locke writes
For it is absurd that things should be enjoyed by laws which are not in men’s power to perform. And to believe this or that to be true does not depend upon our will. But of this enough has been said already. “But” will some say; “ let man atleast profess that they believe.” A sweet religion, indeed that obliges man, to dissemble and tell lies, both to God and man for the salvation of their souls! (Locke, 1937, 15).
Finally, Locke wrote an essay on human knowledge called An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. In this essay, Locke outlines how he believes human knowledge is derived. Strathern explains Locke’s philosophy on human knowledge as beginning with a blank sheet.
According to Locke we have no such thing as intuitive ideas about right and wrong, God etc…. We begin with a tabula rosa (blank sheet). Human knowledge is derived from outer experience, and reflection, which enables us to discover what goes on in our minds. We use reason to draw conclusions from these experiences. In this way we arrive at generalizations, laws and the truths about mathematics. (Strathern, 1999, 42-45).