John Locke: basic ideas. John Locke - English philosopher

The teachings of John Locke had a significant impact on the issues of philosophy, education, law and statehood, which were relevant in the middle of the 17th century. He is the founder of the new political and legal doctrine, which later became known as the "doctrine of early bourgeois liberalism."

Biography

Born in 1632 in a Puritan family. Educated at Westminster School and Christ Church College. In college, he began his scientific career as a teacher of the Greek language, philosophy and rhetoric. During this period, an acquaintance with the well-known naturalist Robert Boyle begins. Together with him, Locke conducted metrological observations, deeply studied chemistry. Subsequently, John Locke seriously studied medicine and in 1668 became a member of the Royal Society of London.

In 1667 John Locke met with Lord Ashley Cooper. This extraordinary man was in opposition to the royal court and criticized the existing power. John Locke leaves teaching and settles on the estate of Lord Cooper as his friend, companion and personal physician.

Political intrigues and the failed attempt of a palace coup lead Lord Ashley to hastily leave his native shores. After him emigrated to Holland and John Locke. The main ideas that brought fame to the scientist were formed precisely in emigration. Years spent in a foreign country proved to be the most fruitful in Locke's career.

The changes that took place in England in the late 17th century allowed Locke to return to his homeland. The philosopher willingly works with the new government and for some time occupies important positions under the new administration. The post of the responsible for affairs of trade and colonies becomes the last in career of the scientist. Lung disease causes him to retire, and the rest of his life he spends in Ots, in the estate of his close friends.

A trace in philosophy

The basic philosophical work of the scientist is known as "The experience of human understanding." The treatise reveals a system of empirical (experimental) philosophy. The basis for the conclusions is not the logical conclusions, but the actual experience. So John Locke claims. The philosophy of such a plan was in contradiction with the existing system of worldview. In this work, the scientist claims that the basis for studying the world around us is sensory experience, and only through observation can one receive reliable, real and obvious knowledge.

A trace in religion

The scientific works of the philosopher also concern the arrangement of religious institutions that existed at that time in England. Known are the manuscripts "Protection of Nonconformism" and "Experience of Tolerance", authored by John Locke. The main ideas were outlined in these unpublished treatises, and the system of church organization, the problem of freedom of conscience and religion was fully represented in the "Message on Tolerance."

In this work, each person is guaranteed the right to freedom of conscience. The scientist calls on state institutions to recognize the choice of religion as an inalienable right of every citizen. The true church in its activity, according to the scientist, must be merciful and compassionate to the dissenters; The authority of the church and the teaching of the church must prevent violence in any form. However, the tolerance of believers should not extend to those who do not recognize the legal laws of the state, denies the moral standards of society and the very existence of the Lord, John Locke believes. The main ideas of the "Letter of Tolerance" are the equality of the rights of all religious communities and the separation of state power from the church.

"The Intelligence of Christianity as it is represented in Holy Scripture" is the later work of a philosopher, in which he affirms the unity of God. Christianity, above all - a set of moral standards, which must adhere to everyone, believes John Locke. The works of the philosopher in the field of religion enriched the religious teachings with two new directions - English deism and latinudarism - the doctrine of toleration.

A trace in the theory of state and law

His vision of the device of a just society J. Locke presented in his work "Two Treatises on Public Administration". The basis for the work was the doctrine of the emergence of the state from the "natural" society of people. According to the scientist, at the beginning of existence, mankind did not know wars, all were equal and "no one had more than another." However, in such a society there were no controlling bodies that would eliminate disagreements, resolve property disputes, and execute a fair trial. In order to ensure civil rights, people formed a political community - the state. The peaceful formation of state institutions, based on the consent of all people, is the basis for the creation of a state system. So John Locke claims.

The basic ideas of the state transformation of society consisted in the formation of political and judicial bodies that would protect the rights of all people. The state retains the right to use force to defend itself from outside intrusion, as well as to control compliance with domestic laws. The theory of John Locke, set forth in this work, asserts the right for citizens to remove a government that does not perform its functions or abuse power.

A trace in pedagogy

"Thoughts on education" is an essay by J. Locke, in which he asserts that the environment has a decisive influence on the child. At the beginning of its development the child is under the influence of parents and educators, who are for him a moral model. As you grow up, the child gets freedom. I paid attention to the philosopher and the physical education of children. Training, as was said in the work, should be based on the use of practical knowledge necessary for life in bourgeois society, and not on studying scholastic sciences that are of no practical use. This work was criticized by the Bishop of Worcester, with whom Locke repeatedly entered into polemic, defending his views.

Mark on history

A philosopher, jurist, religious figure, teacher and publicist is all John Locke. The philosophy of his treatises met the practical and theoretical needs of the new century - the century of the Enlightenment, discoveries, new sciences and new state formations.