“I’d certainly be thrilled if any schools (high school or college) actually taught Hobbes and Locke.”
Well, I do. I teach my students about Locke’s natural laws of government, and about how Locke’s ideas are incorporated into the Declaration of Independence. As a history teacher I would condemn myself as derelict if I did not. That being said, a lot of students probably just remember it long enough to get by the next quiz or test.....
I'm in awe of you then. What level classes do you teach?
I have to admit that I never learned anything by them, and my knowledge of both Hobbes and Locke are extremely superficial, though I hope to find the time to change that. I did know that their works were very influential with our Founders.
I really am amazed at how little is taught to grade school and middle school children regarding what sets the USA apart from the rest of the world. And I can't believe that any student would ever fall for the collectivist crap that is popular had they even learned anything about Hobbes and Locke! Of course, that could be the reason that most teachers stay away from them.
Mark