John Locke

John Locke
1632 – 1704
British philosopher

Despite his talent as a philosopher, Locke actually studied to be a doctor and served for a while as the personal physician to one of the richest men in England. His mentor was the great chemist Robert Boyle and he also became friends with Isaac Newton.

Essential Facts

Wrote Second Treatise on Government, which was a major inspiration for the Declaration of Independence
Theorized about the origin of government from the state of nature
Stressed that government is limited to its purpose of protecting life, liberty, and property

SE: 8(20)(A)