Abstract

Research objective:

The purpose of the work is to characterise the concept of the law of nature, society, social contract, ownership and political power developed by the main philosophers of Enlightenment, J. Locke and J. J. Rousseau.

The research problem and methods:

The research topics presented in the paper are exploratory and answer the following questions: What are the main elements of Enlightenment as a philosophical era? What were the concepts of society and social contract developed by J. Locke and J.J. Rousseau? What were the theories of ownership and political power developed by both philosophers?

The research method was based on the analysis of texts by J. Locke and J.J. Rousseau.

The process of argumentation:

The article consists of two parts. The first contains the characteristics of the Enlightenment period. The second presents the characteristics of society, social contract, ownership and political power developed by both thinkers.

Research results:

The author shows that the concepts of both Locke and Rousseau emphasise the independence of the world of nature, society and a human subject in comparison with the earlier philosophical and social theories. The laws of nature and social contracts are the basis of moral norms.

Conclusions, innovations and recommendations:

The two Enlightenment concepts of man and society are based on the concept of nature and the laws of nature created by God. Nature is a primary, exemplary, perfect period. Ownership, egoistic relations between people and power impede human life and development.