John Locke is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the Age of Enlightenment. Locke’s ideas had a major impact on political thought, especially in France. He grew up in England with his father who was a country lawyer, and his mother, both of which were Puritans. Locke started his education as a King’s Scholar at the Westminster School in London, and then proceeded to the Christ Church, Oxford. He was more interested in the modern philosophers, rather than the classical curriculum. He received his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree, and then became a lecturer in Greek and Rhetoric. Since he didn’t want to commit to a religious position, he rejected an offer for a permanent academic job. John was also a part of the medicine and scientist community, as he studied medicine at Oxford, and worked with many well known …show more content…
He received his bachelor of medicine as well. He then became a personal physician for Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper, and then continued his career under Thomas Sydenham. Both Cooper and Sydenham had strong influences on his philosophical thinking. In the 1670’s, John involved himself in politics. Being the Secretary of the Board of Trade and Plantations and Secretary of the Lords and Proprietors of the Carolinas changed his ideas and views on international trade and economics. One of his most prominent pieces called “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” was published in 1690, and is believed to be a foundation of Empiricism in modern philosophy. Locke composed other famous works such as “Two Treatises of Government”, published anonymously. Since he believed in natural rights and favored monarchy, he celebrated England’s Glorious Revolution and the overthrow of King James II. His works about his views on government and politics brought him fame and were inspired by the