John Locke Biography
Early Life and Education
John Locke was born on August 29, 1632, in Wrington, a little town in Somerset, England. He was the boy of John Locke, a legal representative and county clerk to the Justices of the Peace, and Agnes Keene. Locke's early education was managed by his father, who instilled in him the virtues of hard work and discipline. At the age of 14, Locke was sent to Westminster School in London, a prestigious school that prepared him for further research studies. In 1652, he was admitted to Christ Church, Oxford, among the leading scholastic organizations of the time.
At Oxford, Locke was initially dissatisfied by the scholastic curriculum, which focused greatly on
Aristotle and classical texts instead of modern-day developments in science and philosophy. However, he found intellectual liberty in the works of modern-day thinkers such as René Descartes, whose concepts he explored independently. Locke completed his Bachelor of Arts in 1656 and a Master of Arts in 1658.
Academic and Medical Pursuits
Locke stayed at Oxford after his graduation and ended up being a speaker in Greek and rhetoric. Ultimately, he turned his attention to the research study of medicine, with the goal of affecting the world more practically. Locke befriended
Robert Boyle, a leading researcher of the time, and their discussions on natural philosophy boosted Locke's interest in empirical research study and the scientific method.
In 1666, Locke fulfilled Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper, later on called the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury. This conference proved transformational for Locke, as it resulted in his participation in both Shaftesbury's home and political life. Locke relocated to London to serve as Shaftesbury's personal doctor, and he ended up being deeply associated with the Earl's political activities as Shaftesbury rose to power. The connection supplied Locke with an important network and insight into England's political characteristics.
Philosophical Contributions
The political and intellectual environment of late 17th-century England formed Locke's writings and concepts. Amongst his best-known contributions is "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" (1690), which argued for empiricism-- the idea that knowledge is originated from experience. Locke presented that the mind at birth is a tabula rasa or blank slate, challenging the notion of natural ideas. This innovative work cemented his place as a pioneering philosopher in the realm of epistemology.
Locke also made significant contributions to political viewpoint, especially through his "Two Treatises of Government" (published in 1689). In this text, Locke detailed his ideas on civil society, natural rights, and government by approval, offering a structure for liberal democracy and affecting subsequent political thought. His ideas on home rights and the social contract were particularly influential.
Later Years and Death
After Shaftesbury's political downfall, Locke hung around in the Netherlands for safety factors amidst political turmoil. There, he continued his writing and intellectual pursuits. He went back to England in 1689 after the Glorious Revolution, which saw William of Orange ascend to the English throne. Locke became included once more in political life and acted as a commissioner of appeals. Despite decreasing health, Locke continued his intellectual ventures, publishing works on education, religious tolerance, and economics.
Locke lived his final years in the countryside at the home of Francis and Damaris Masham. Damaris Cudworth Masham, a philosopher herself, was a close companion and confidante to Locke during this duration. John Locke passed away on October 28, 1704, at the age of 72.
Tradition
John Locke's ideas have actually left an indelible mark on both viewpoint and political theory. His advocacy for empirical observation and the clinical technique significantly affected the Enlightenment and the advancement of contemporary clinical query. Politically, his thoughts on government, approval, and private rights laid the foundation for liberal political viewpoint and influenced leaders of the American and French transformations. Locke is remembered today as a key figure in the development of modern Western idea.
Our collection contains 38 quotes who is written / told by John, under the main topic
Men.
Related authors: Aristotle (Philosopher), William Hazlitt (Critic), David Hume (Philosopher), William Ellery Channing (Writer), John Tillotson (Theologian), George Berkeley (Philosopher), Philo (Philosopher), Henry Hazlitt (Philosopher), Robert Boyle (Philosopher), Jean-Paul Marat (Politician)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why was John Locke important
A: He was important for laying the foundations of modern liberal democracy, influencing the Enlightenment, and inspiring the American and French revolutions. - Q: John Locke social contract
A: Locke's social contract theory argued that government is based on the consent of the governed and must protect natural rights. - Q: Where did John Locke live
A: He lived in England, with significant time spent in London, Oxford, and in exile in Holland. - Q: How did John Locke die
A: He died on October 28, 1704, likely due to health complications related to asthma and other longstanding health issues. - Q: John Locke family
A: He was born to Agnes Keene and John Locke Sr., a lawyer and small landowner. - Q: What is John Locke known for
A: He is known for his contributions to philosophy, particularly in the areas of empiricism and political theory. - Q: John Locke main ideas
A: Empiricism, natural rights, social contract, government's role is to protect life, liberty, and property. - Q: How old was John Locke?
A: He became 72 years old
John Locke Famous Works:
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