John Locke Timeline

By edestefano

  • John Locke's Birth

    John Locke is born in England in 1632.
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    Oxford College

    After studying philosophy, medicine, law, and mathematics and graduating with multiple degrees Locke becomes a very important professor at Oxford College

  • I Think Therefore I Am

    Locke reads Rene Descartes' Discourse on the Method and likes what he reads. This work includes the famous quote "I think, therefore I am"

  • Lord Ashley

    Anthony Ashley Cooper "Lord Ashley" who is an important British politician meets and befriends Locke.

  • Saving Lives

    Locke who is now Lord Ashley's personal physician supervises a liver operation that saves Lord Ashley's life and remarkably he lives another 15 years

  • Fundamental Constitution of Carolina

    Because of Lord Ashley's involvement in the new British colonies in America Locke is asked to write the Fundamental Constitution of Carolina

  • Locke's Writings

    Locke writes his first draft of the Essay Concerning Human Understanding, in it are ideas on Natural Law; based partially on the writings of others.
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    Social Contract

    Locke's begins to write and promote the idea of a Social Contract, he may not be the first with the idea but his social status will make the idea popular.

  • Killing a King

    Locke's ideas about revolution against a government are linked to a plot to kill the king. Locke flees to Holland, many that agreed with him and Lord Ashley are arrested for treason and some are killed.

  • Glorious Revolution

    England's Glorious Revolution; Locke is welcomed by the new king and returns to England

  • Human Understanding

    Essay Concerning Human Understanding by John Locke is published.

  • Sir Isaac Newton

    Locke meets Sir Isaac Newton and they become friends

  • Two Treaties of Civil Government

    Two Treaties of Civil Government by John Locke is published.
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    British Board of Trade

    Locke is appointed to the British Board of Trade and even though his health is failing he is its most influential member

  • John Locke Dies

    John Locke dies in 1704

  • Thomas Jefferson borrows Locke's ideas

    Thomas Jefferson borrows from Locke's idea to write the Declaration of Independence.