Final answer:
The major difference is that Thomas Hobbes believed people were naturally selfish and required a strong government, while John Locke believed in natural rights and the government's role in protecting these rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
One major difference between the Enlightenment thinkers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke is their contrasting views on human nature and the role of government. Hobbes believed that people were naturally selfish and violent; therefore, a powerful sovereign was needed to impose order. Locke disagreed, positing that individuals have inherent natural rights like 'Life, Liberty and Property', and believed in a government's role to protect these rights.