Which of the following best describes how John Locke's beliefs about human nature differed from those of Thomas Hobbes according to the psychodynamic perspective on personality?

• A. Locke and Hobbes both believed that personality is entirely inherited and unaffected by environment.
• B. Locke believed that humans are born as a blank slate and shaped by experience, while Hobbes believed humans are naturally selfish and driven by innate instincts.
• C. Locke believed that personality is determined solely by unconscious drives, while Hobbes emphasized conscious reasoning.
• D. Locke believed that humans are inherently aggressive, while Hobbes believed humans are naturally peaceful.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core philosophical views of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes regarding human nature. Locke proposed the idea of 'tabula rasa,' meaning humans are born as a blank slate, and their experiences shape their personality.
2. Step 2: Recognize Hobbes' contrasting view that humans are naturally selfish and driven by innate instincts, which influences their behavior and personality from birth.
3. Step 3: Relate these views to the psychodynamic perspective, which emphasizes unconscious drives and early experiences in shaping personality, noting that Locke's view aligns with personality being shaped by experience, while Hobbes emphasizes innate drives.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the given options by comparing them to these philosophical positions, focusing on whether personality is shaped by experience or innate instincts.
5. Step 5: Identify the option that correctly contrasts Locke's belief in experience shaping personality with Hobbes' belief in innate selfish instincts as the best description of their differing views.