Who was john locke? (the philosopher, not the movie character in lost).Why was his name used for locke in lost

Answer 1

To quote from a very good source:

John Locke, after whom the character John Locke is named, was a famous social contract philosopher who dealt with the relationship between nature and civilization. He mostly subscribed to the theory of tabula rasa, (the title of the third episode of the first season, featuring Kate). Also, the TV Locke's father is named Anthony Cooper, named for Lord Anthony Ashley-Cooper, the real-world John Locke's political mentor and patron. The real Locke believed that, in the state of nature, all men had equal rights to punish transgressors; to ensure fair judgment for all, governments were formed to better administer the laws. This philosophy is paralleled by the character of Locke, who embraces both nature and the need for organization among the survivors. On a side note, Terry O'Quinn also appeared on the TV show Harsh Realm which had a character named Thomas Hobbes who was also a philosopher who also dealt with the relationship between nature and civilization.

Answer 2

John Locke was a philospher of England. He wrote of many things. Of government and divorce. He influenced most of the thinkers of Europe and the American colonies. I don't keep up with "Lost". But I believe he has the name because he is suppose to be the mentor of the group.

Answer 3

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/