John Locke was a renowned English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment era.
His contributions to classical republicanism and liberal theory are still reflected in modern-day politics and continue to have a profound impact on the theory and practice of limited representative government.
But how long did he live to see his ideas come to fruition?
In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of John Locke, including the age at which he passed away.
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of one of history’s greatest minds.
How Old Was John Locke When He Died
John Locke passed away on October 28, 1704, at the age of 72. He was buried in the churchyard of the village of High Laver, Essex.
Despite his relatively short life, Locke’s impact on philosophy and politics has been immense. His theories on natural rights, social contract, and limited government have influenced generations of thinkers and continue to shape political discourse today.
Locke’s legacy extends beyond his writings and ideas. He was also a survivor of Oceanic Flight 815 in the television series Lost, where he played a pivotal role in the show’s storyline.
Early Life And Education Of John Locke
John Locke was born on August 29th, 1632 in Somerset, England to Puritan parents. His father was a prominent country lawyer, and his mother’s name was Agnes Keene. Locke spent his childhood in a rural house in Belluton, Somerset.
At the age of 14, Locke attended the prestigious Westminster School in London where he studied Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, mathematics, and geography. He excelled academically and was later admitted to Christ Church, University of Oxford in 1652 at the age of 20.
At Oxford, Locke studied the works of philosophers such as Francis Bacon and Rene Descartes. He initially pursued a degree in medicine, which would play a significant role in his life. However, he later shifted his focus to philosophy and obtained a bachelor’s degree in 1656 and a master’s degree in 1658.
Locke’s education at Oxford was instrumental in shaping his philosophical ideas. He was exposed to various schools of thought and developed a critical approach to knowledge and reasoning. His exposure to the works of Bacon and Descartes also influenced his emphasis on empirical observation and reason as the basis for knowledge.
After completing his studies at Oxford, Locke worked as a tutor for several years before returning to Oxford as a lecturer in Greek and rhetoric. In 1674, he received a bachelor of medicine degree from the University of Oxford.
John Locke’s Major Contributions To Philosophy And Politics
John Locke is widely regarded as one of the most influential philosophers and political theorists in history. He made significant contributions to various fields, including epistemology, metaphysics, theology, education, medicine, physics, economics, and politics. In this section, we will explore some of Locke’s major contributions to philosophy and politics.
Locke’s Influence On Modern-Day Politics And Government
John Locke’s political theories have had a profound impact on modern-day politics and government. His ideas on natural rights, social contract, and limited government have contributed to the development of modern democratic institutions.
Locke believed that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that these rights are inherent to all human beings. He argued that governments have an obligation to protect these rights and that citizens have the right to overthrow a government that fails to do so. This idea has been instrumental in shaping modern democracies, where governments are accountable to their citizens and are expected to protect their basic human rights.
Furthermore, Locke’s concept of social contract theory has been influential in shaping modern democratic societies. According to Locke, individuals enter into a social contract with their government, giving up some of their individual freedoms in exchange for protection and security. This idea has been central to the development of modern democratic institutions, where citizens agree to abide by certain laws and regulations in exchange for the protection and services provided by the government.
Finally, Locke’s emphasis on limited government has also had a lasting impact on modern politics. He believed that governments should have only limited powers over their citizens and that they can ultimately be overthrown by citizens under certain circumstances. This idea has been influential in shaping modern democracies, where governments are expected to operate within certain limits and are subject to checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.
John Locke’s Personal Life And Relationships
John Locke never married and did not have any children. He dedicated his life to his work as a philosopher, physician, and social activist. Despite his lack of a family, he had many close relationships with other intellectuals of his time, including Robert Boyle and Sir Isaac Newton.
Locke’s personal life was also marked by his strong religious beliefs. He was a pious man who defended a faith based on reason rather than scriptural authority. However, his moderately agnostic nature opened the way for others to question and challenge any possibility of reaching certainty in matters of faith.
Locke’s emphasis on reason and observation also extended to his personal relationships. He saw uncontrolled emotions as contributing to costly mistakes and believed that reason should govern one’s life. Later critics of this philosophy sought a more compassionate approach to relationships, emphasizing love and empathy over reason alone.
John Locke’s Illness And Death
There is little information available about John Locke’s illness and cause of death. However, it is known that he suffered from poor health throughout his life, including respiratory problems and possibly asthma.
In the months leading up to his death, Locke’s health had deteriorated significantly. He was bedridden for several weeks and experienced a decline in mental faculties. According to some reports, he may have suffered from a stroke or other neurological condition.
Locke’s death was mourned by many of his contemporaries, who recognized his contributions to philosophy and political theory. His ideas continue to be studied and debated by scholars around the world, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
How Old Was John Locke When He Died: The Final Years Of His Life
In the final years of his life, John Locke resided in High Laver, Essex, where he was invited to live with Lady Damaris Cudworth Masham and her family at Oates. Despite his delicate health, Locke remained active in governmental affairs and helped steer the resurrection of the Board of Trade, which oversaw England’s new territories in North America.
Locke continued to publish additional works during his return to England, including A Letter Concerning Toleration, The Reasonableness of Christianity, and Some Thoughts Concerning Education. He remained a hero to the Whig party and served as one of the body’s key members.
Locke never married in his lifetime and passed away at the age of 72. He was buried in the churchyard of the village of High Laver, Essex. Years after his death, his impact on Western thought continues to be gauged, as his theories concerning the separation of Church and State, religious freedom, and liberty have influenced European thinkers such as Voltaire and shaped the thinking of America’s founders.
