Seek A Balance Of Authority And Freedom

Hobbes and Locke develope their political theories in 17th century when modern state arises and rights of liberty are reclaimed. Prerogatives of king and liberties of subjects conflict each other. Which suggests the confliction between authority of modern state and liberty of the subject. To strike a proper balance between authority and liberty is the common aim of Hobbes and Locke.Hobbes and locke propose the natural freedom and equality in the first place. They regard civil society and poltical authority as artificial. Which provide bases both for the form of state and for the limit of state and authority.Civil society is identical with modern state both for Hobbes and Locke. With the theory of natural state .Hobbes and young Locke give prominence to the value of peace and security. They insist the necessity of state and authority, or even of absolute power. State and authority are regarded as necessary evil both for Hobbes and Locke, for young Locke and old Locke.The principles of natural freedom and equality conflict with the form and existence of state and authority. The balance of authority and liberty doesn't mean that Hobbes and Locke insist on such ideas at all times or they cannot have their emphasis respectively. On the contrary, the emphasis of Hobbes and Locke varies in different times. However, Hobbes and Locke share the common ideas of the existing some fundmental rights and values, which are called natural rights or liberties. Natural liberties turn into the fundmental limits of state and authority.Idea of liberty is also reformed in order not to interfere with the rights of the ruler. For Hobbes, liberty doesn't refer to the freedom of sharing rights of dominion but private ones, and there are no relations between liberty and forms of state. For Locke, there only exists such liberties under the rule of law. Liberties aren't such liberties which do anything as one pleases for both Hobbes and Locke.The striking of balance between authority and liberty is the turning point of western political theory. The theory of authority and liberty of Hobbes and Locke indicates the realization of modernization and secularisation of westernpolitical theory. During this period modern liberalism arises. The principle of balance between authority and liberty is the motif of modern liberalism.