John Locke Thomas Hobbe Jean-jacques Rousseau

Thomas Hobbes: View of human nature and state of nature

Humans are inherently selfish, guided by self-preservation, leading to a state of nature that is a chaotic state of war where life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

Thomas Hobbes: Proposed solution for society

An absolute monarchy or strong central authority (the Leviathan) established through a social contract, where citizens trade absolute freedom for security and order.

John Locke: View of natural rights and state of nature

Humans are rational and naturally possess rights to life, liberty, and property; however, the state of nature lacks an impartial judge to settle disputes fairly.

John Locke: Proposed solution for government

A limited representative government created by a social contract to protect citizens' natural rights, with the rule that people have the right to overthrow it if it fails.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Problem with civil society

Humans are naturally good and peaceful, but civil society, private property, and inequality corrupted them, causing individuals to be everywhere in chains.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Proposed solution for political organization

A direct democracy based on a social contract guided by the General Will, where individuals submit to the collective community to gain moral freedom and equality.