The earliest indications of freedom in England emerged in the 17th century. Natural sciences took the place of medieval philosophy in universities when theology and Aristotle’s ideas were taught. In addition, England’s 17th century was characterized by a civil war and a slow shift from absolute to constitutional monarchy. The eminent English philosopher John Locke was born around this period, and his writings served as the foundation for philosophy across the globe.
Early Life and Adolescence
The future philosopher was born in 1632 in the little community of Wrington, which is close to Bristol County.
John Locke, the boy’s wealthy and successful lawyer, was one of the best in the community.
John senior, a man who values independence, was a captain in Oliver Cromwell’s army during Charles I’s rule. Locke senior lost everything he had saved during the Revolution because of his extraordinary compassion in helping those in need. So the father instilled in his son the idea that he need to strive to live for society.
The scientist’s mother’s biography only mentions her maiden name, which was King. His contemporaries never heard anything more about the mother who reared the philosopher.
The boy was raised in a family that opposed both the absolute monarchy and the dominating Anglican Church system. Neither his mother nor father approved of either system.
Raising their son, John’s parents each contributed in a different way to the boy’s growth. Locke Jr. thus received his love of freedom and disdain for tiny, everyday things from his father and his piety from his mother.
Because John’s sibling passed away from illness when he was only a baby, the mother feared that she would lose her children. As a result, Locke’s mother prayed frequently and lived in continual fear of God.
The boy was raised in accordance with Puritan principles, which included severe religiosity. The youngster was mostly raised by his father, who created his own approach that John Jr. later commended.
John Sr. kept his son completely obedient and at a considerable distance from him. Subsequently, he gradually let the boy get closer, and the menacing tone and commands transformed into common sense counsel. The “boss” and “subordinate” eventually grew to be equals and were bonded by a deep relationship.
Growing up, Locke was a bright and well-read boy. Colonel Alexander Popham, a friend of his father, suggested that he enroll John Jr. at Westminster School.
Locke was the best student in school, according to the philosopher’s biographers, who state that the boy pursued every topic with diligence and assiduity.
Locke enrolled at Oxford University in 1652 and studied medicine, literature, Greek and Latin, among other subjects. Robert Boyle himself taught natural science to the young pupil. Locke’s interest in the philosophy of mathematician René Descartes began during his time at college, and this led to the formation of the student’s worldview.
Robert Boyle, John Locke’s mentor and instructor, piqued his curiosity.
Descartes instilled in Locke a dislike for meaningless, empty words, and John held the belief that wit and brevity are sisters throughout his life.
The future philosopher also started following the ideas of science-loving John Wilkins, and medical scientist Richard Lowe cultivated a love of medicine in the young man.
Knowledge Theory
In 1690, John Locke penned his ground-breaking work, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Scientific research on “innate ideas,” which originated in the philosophy of the ancient Greek scholar Plato, supported Locke’s beliefs. Descartes, whose writings John Locke studied, also took this theory into consideration in the 17th century.
“Innate ideas” are concepts in human understanding that are not dependent on emotions and hence cannot be learned. That is, those values that, through “instincts,” result in consensus among all people.
However, John Locke did not agree with this notion; in fact, he expressed the opposing opinion in his essay on sensualism. The philosopher argues that humans adopt certain concepts (like medical discoveries) because they are useful rather than because they are “innate.” The scientist held that lived experience, which is based on sensory experiences, is the foundation of human understanding.
The mind creates complex ideas, which are composed of simpler ideas. Simple concepts also emerge from each person’s unique life experience: man is a “blank sheet of paper” full of life reflection.
John Locke, then, disputes Descartes’ assertion that the soul is ever-thinking and that thinking is an inherent quality of the soul.
The English philosopher held that experience is the source of knowledge and that Descartes believed that thinking is a natural human state.
Though John Locke is regarded as the greatest English thinker of the 19th century, none of the scientific discoveries were made without the assistance of other individuals. John Locke is not the original originator of a philosophical concept, despite the intriguing interpretation of his ideas.
The impact of physicist Isaac Newton and psychologist Thomas Hobbes is demonstrated in An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.
According to Locke, the world—which is constrained by time and space—is ruled by God, the ultimate mind. Every creature has a purpose and engages in social interactions. Man exists to know and honor God, and it is thru this that happiness exists both here on Earth and in other worlds.
Teaching
Locke taught ancient languages for a few years after earning a distinction degree from Oxford University, but he quickly abandoned this job to accept an offer from Earl Anthony Ashley Cooper Shaftesbury. John Locke was right when he diagnosed Anthony’s terrible illness. The appreciative Earl made John an offer to work as a family physician and raise his two sons.
Locke shared his thoughts on schooling in letters to his buddy Clarke at that period. The educational book “Thoughts on Education” was inspired by the meticulously curated correspondence between the philosopher and Edward.
John was certain that education, which shapes a person’s character, will, and moral discipline, has a greater influence on a person’s behavior than does his or her own perception. Furthermore, Locke believed that spiritual and physical education should advance together. Spiritual education focuses on the development of morality and dignity, while physical education focuses on health and hygiene.
Concepts of Politics
John Locke’s parents shaped his political perspective when he was a young boy.
Of Locke’s political theories, “The Right of the People to Rebel against Tyranny” and “Reflections on the Glorious Revolution of 1688” contain the most well-known notion of a democratic revolution.
The philosopher argues that natural human rights and individual freedoms must be protected by the state. According to Locke, the people must elect those in positions of authority, and citizens must submit to the rule of law rather than the arbitrary will of their superiors.
John was a supporter of the social contract theory and also invented the concept of the separation of powers.
It is the state’s responsibility to ensure that every individual and his property are protected and to deal with criminal matters. Locke therefore develops the ideas of legislative power and a legitimate constitutional state.
Individual Life
In privacy and seclusion, John Locke outperformed even Kant. The renowned philosopher appears to be a life-loving, worldly man. But if, toward the end of his life, Kant had a house and a servant, Locke had neither. As evidenced by Anthony’s account, John was a homeless man who worked as a teacher in other people’s homes for his entire life.
John’s acts were all fragmentary; he did not set out to acquire a focal activity. He studied politics when he could, performed medicine when someone asked him to, and so on.
The devout John Locke did not value the worldly life, but rather prepared for the life that awaits a person in the hereafter, as revealed in Holy Scripture. Both Locke’s devotion to religion and his ill health can help to explain this. Ill people can sometimes live a long life, but they always plan to die, viewing themselves as visitors to this world.
The scientist was single and had no kids. Locke made an effort to bring science and religion together.
Demise
During his latter years, Locke resided in the rural home of Dameris Masham, an acquaintance who served as his surrogate. Because of her admiration for the philosopher, Locke’s moral precepts were upheld in her family. 
Locke was deeply troubled by the loss of his hearing in old age, which prevented him from hearing his conversants.
At the age of 72, the philosopher passed away from asthma on October 28, 1704. The physicist was laid to rest not far from where he last lived.