Theorists John Locke and Niccolo Machiavelli Essay Example
John Locke and Niccolo Machiavelli are the crucial theorists in history who believed in various theories that have proven to be important in today’s government. John Locke is a political philosopher who is known for his political theory during his Two Treatise of Government for protecting people’s natural rights. His core values were based on equality. He argued that all people were equal and no one had the right to harm another person (Locke et al. 2003). He also argued that the state had an obligation to protect the life, property and liberty. He also believed that the state was created to be a social contract whereby the citizens and the state had an agreement (Locke et al. 2003).
Niccolo Machiavelli is also an important figure in history that was famous for his treatise “The Prince.” Machiavellian’s political theory is based
on an effective government which does whatever is necessary to stay in command based on Cesare Borgia’s life (Wheeler, 2016). He also argued that rulers do not need to be good all the time but rather be willing to ignore ethical and moral values such as honesty, justice and kindness so as to maintain a stable government (Machiavelli, 2010). Additionally Machiavelli’s philosophy is applied in our modern leaders today who give citizens half-truths.
In conclusion John Locke and Niccolo Machiavelli made a significance contribution to history through their beliefs and values which are applicable in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights today. Locke believed in a constitution that treats people equally and protects their life, property and liberties. Machiavelli believed that a leader does not need to be honest, just or fair to the peopl
and that he should do whatever it takes to protect their power in the government.
References
- Locke, J., Shapiro, I., & Locke, J. (2003). Two treatises of government. New
Haven, Conn: Yale University Press. - Machiavelli, N. (2010). The Prince. Chichester, West Sussex: Capstone Pub.
- Wheeler, D. (2016). Niccolò Machiavelli and "The Prince". Retrieved , from https://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/machiavelli.html
