Introduction

In this project we mainly try to explore John Locke’s historical background, his
philosophical works and their influence on the contemporary world. The project
discusses what are the most essential and fundamental rights that John Locke
covered. And he also explains what makes them basic and essential in order to live
with in a social harmony. Beyond having a descriptive thesis, he also came up with
analytical statements that need logical explanation. For example why such rights
should be granted to every person regardless of their background? As a result this
project gives an extensive answer to such questions based on John Locke’s letters,
books and also speeches on the theory of rights.

The project covers John Locke and his influence on the contemporary world
particularly on the amendment of the Declaration of Independence. The major
actors on this great document such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John
Adams and others including George Washington were inspired by John Locke’s
work. They sometimes quote his statement verbatim. They stated the same basic
rights that John Locke gave emphasis during his time. The project also discusses
the modern libertarian and John Locke. How his idea shaped the current liberal
ideology.

John Locke writings attracted several other philosophers such as Voltaire and Jean
Jacques Rousseau. In this project we will give a summarization of two of his best
works. They are An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1689) and Two
Treaties of Government (1689). The project will explain the motives of his writing
and their aftermath.