The fundamental ideas of modern philosophy in any area cannot be divorced from the identity of John Locke. Locke was one of the first in the movement away from the classic ideas of philosophy, as put forth by Aristotle and the Scholastic movement. These were ideas that were still strictly adhered to in schools of Locke's day. His place in history, as one of the eminent philosophers of modern times, has been solidified by the great upheaval that took place in England during his lifetime; an upheaval in which Locke found himself, more often than not, playing some kind of role.
One could argue that Locke and his ideas did not only shape British upheaval, but that the upheaval also helped to shape Locke. In fact, the education received by Locke was largely due to the support of Alexander Popham, who commanded Locke's father, on the Puritan side, during the English Civil War.
Locke's first years of education occurred at Westminster School, to which he was admitted in 1647 at the age of fifteen. The school was the most prestigious in England for boys of his age. Locke quickly rose to the top of what was the cream of intellectual society in that institution, named as one of the King's Scholars for the full three terms. These boys were allowed to live at the school fulltime and then stand for election to Oxford or Cambridge.
In 1650, at eighteen, Locke was admitted to Christ Church, Oxford. This school was also recognized as a premier institution throughout England during Locke's lifetime, although somewhat backwards, as far as philosophical thought. The school would shift its focus from the Scholastic method after Locke had long since graduated. While attending, however, Locke realized a distaste for Aristotle and focused on other areas. Philosophy did not leave Locke behind, however; through certain connections he would eventually find the ideas of the new observation, rather than textbook, way of approaching both science and philosophy.
The approach would be significant in both areas of Locke's life, for his first chosen profession was that of a doctor. His decision to obtain a medical degree led to his introduction to Robert Boyle, who first induced Locke to read the works of Descartes. This, in turn, led Locke to refute the rationalist nature of Cartesian philosophy and laid the groundwork for his empiricist thought.
The combination of medicine and philosophy, which were Locke's principal occupations, would lead to his partnership with the person who made the most impact on his life, the first Earl of Shaftesbury Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper. Cooper came to Oxford for treatment of a recurring liver infection, and was so impressed by Locke's work and ideas that he asked the young philosopher physician to join his retinue and take up residence at his estates. Thus, Locke became inextricably linked with the great political events that were to follow and change England forever afterwards.
Locke's own successes in England were to be a mirror of Shaftesbury's. The Earl came under suspicion of treason in 1675 and was sentenced to prison time in the Tower of London and, fearing persecution himself, Locke fled to France. He would return after the Earl made the most out of the supposed Catholic conspiracy that gripped England in the late 1770s, but would again flee when he was suspected of being a part of the Rye House Plot in 1683 (there is little evidence that Locke was involved at all).
His second exile was to Holland, where he completed An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. He was also influential in formulating and defending the ideas of the Glorious Revolution, and was closely watched by spies of the English government. Despite an initial failure to overthrow the British monarchy, Locke and his rebels were eventually successful and Locke would return to England as an escort to William of Orange's bride in 1688.
Back in England, Locke continued his work in both public life and in philosophy. An Essay.... was printed in England in 1690, as well as most of his other important works. He also became an important member on the Board of Trade, which was revived in part due to his support and arguments in 1696. The board oversaw several areas in which Locke had written about much in his life, including the social contract with members of the nation and colonial administration.
Locke died in 1704 at Oates, after four years of retirement, at the age of 72. During his lifetime, he had advocated, taken part in, and seen the transfer of power in England from a monarch to the Parliament. This was a transfer of power that would change the shape of the Empire forever afterwards.
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