John Locke was a prominent philosopher, political theorist, and physician. He is best known for his contributions to the liberal theory of government, including his advocacy of religious tolerance, separation of church and state, the doctrine of natural rights, and his belief that governments exist to protect and promote individual liberty.
Philosophers ideas were influential in the American Revolution, both through his writings and through the Enlightenment thinkers whom he influenced. His work was also important in the development of liberalism and social contract theory.
Locke was born on August 29, 1632 in Wrington, Somerset, England. His father died when he was three years old so he went to live with his mother’s family until he was 11 years old. He then enrolled at Westminster School where he studied Latin and Greek. After graduating from Westminster School, Locke attended Christ Church College at Oxford University where he earned a Master’s degree in 1656 and became a fellow at Christ Church College in 1658. While attending Oxford University Locke began to develop his theories about politics and government which later led him to write two treatises on government: The Two Treatises of Government (1689) and A Letter Concerning Toleration (1689).
In fact, Locke’s famous work “Two Treatises of Government” was published in 1689 after Charles II asked him to write a book about religion and politics. The book argued that people have natural rights given to them by God, including life, liberty and property. Locke also argued that government should be limited in its power so that it does not abuse those rights.
