Activity Overview
Many of the revolutionary political ideas of the Enlightenment developed out of a basic disagreement on how people should be governed. This disagreement is best illustrated by the divergent views of British political thinkers John Locke and Thomas Hobbes.
In this activity, students will analyze the differences between the political views of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes as presented in their writings. Students should address the following questions in their storyboard:
- What are natural rights?
- What is the social contract?
- What is the preferred government of Locke and of Hobbes? How is the government based on each thinker’s view of human nature?
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Extension Activity
Students can extend this activity by finding modern examples of governments that reflect either a Lockean approach or a Hobbesian approach to ruling. These examples could be displayed in an additional two cells at the bottom of this storyboard.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a T Chart that compares the ideals of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, define Locke's views as portrayed in "Natural Rights" as well as his preferred government.
- In the other column, do the same for Hobbes's "Leviathan".
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Many of the revolutionary political ideas of the Enlightenment developed out of a basic disagreement on how people should be governed. This disagreement is best illustrated by the divergent views of British political thinkers John Locke and Thomas Hobbes.
In this activity, students will analyze the differences between the political views of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes as presented in their writings. Students should address the following questions in their storyboard:
- What are natural rights?
- What is the social contract?
- What is the preferred government of Locke and of Hobbes? How is the government based on each thinker’s view of human nature?
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Extension Activity
Students can extend this activity by finding modern examples of governments that reflect either a Lockean approach or a Hobbesian approach to ruling. These examples could be displayed in an additional two cells at the bottom of this storyboard.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a T Chart that compares the ideals of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, define Locke's views as portrayed in "Natural Rights" as well as his preferred government.
- In the other column, do the same for Hobbes's "Leviathan".
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about John Locke vs. Thomas Hobbes
Organize a classroom debate on Locke vs. Hobbes
Set up a structured debate where students argue from the perspectives of either John Locke or Thomas Hobbes. Assign roles, establish rules, and guide students to use evidence from primary sources. This activity sharpens critical thinking and helps students internalize each philosopher’s views.
Assign students to research and prepare their arguments
Have each student or team gather key points, quotes, and examples that support their assigned philosopher’s stance. Encourage the use of textbooks, online resources, and classroom notes. This ensures students are well-prepared and confident during the debate.
Set clear debate procedures and time limits
Explain the debate format, including opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments. Outline time limits for each section to keep the activity focused and fair. Clear structure keeps students engaged and on task.
Encourage respectful listening and note-taking
Remind students to listen actively to opposing arguments and take notes for potential rebuttals. Respectful dialogue and careful listening promote a positive classroom environment.
Facilitate a reflective class discussion after the debate
Lead a follow-up discussion where students reflect on what they learned and how the debate changed or reinforced their understanding. This helps deepen comprehension and encourages thoughtful analysis of political philosophies.
Frequently Asked Questions about John Locke vs. Thomas Hobbes
What is the main difference between John Locke and Thomas Hobbes' political philosophies?
John Locke believed in natural rights and a government that protects individual freedoms, while Thomas Hobbes argued for a strong, absolute ruler to maintain order because he saw humans as naturally selfish. Their views differ mainly in their understanding of human nature and the ideal form of government.
How can I teach students to compare John Locke and Thomas Hobbes effectively?
Use a T Chart to help students visually compare Locke’s and Hobbes’s ideas about natural rights, the social contract, and preferred forms of government. Encourage students to cite examples from each philosopher’s writings and discuss how their views relate to human nature.
What are natural rights according to John Locke?
John Locke defined natural rights as basic rights all people have from birth, including life, liberty, and property. He believed governments must protect these rights and should be overthrown if they fail to do so.
What is the social contract in the context of Hobbes and Locke?
The social contract is an agreement where people give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection. Hobbes saw this as giving power to a strong ruler, while Locke believed it was about protecting individual rights and could be broken if the government became abusive.
Can students collaborate on a John Locke vs. Thomas Hobbes lesson using Storyboard That?
Yes! Storyboard That offers Real Time Collaboration, allowing students to work together on comparing Locke and Hobbes. Collaboration can deepen understanding and help students complete their storyboards more efficiently.
More Storyboard That Activities
Enlightenment & Scientific Revolution
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