Natural rights

Definition

Natural rights are fundamental human rights that are considered to be inherent and universal, not granted by any government or authority. These rights are often seen as life, liberty, and property, which individuals possess simply by being human. The idea of natural rights played a crucial role in the development of political thought during the Enlightenment and served as a foundation for revolutionary ideas about government and individual freedom.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of natural rights became widely popularized during the Enlightenment, influencing various thinkers who sought to establish the basis for individual freedom and government legitimacy.
2. Natural rights are considered inalienable, meaning they cannot be surrendered or transferred; they are inherent to all individuals regardless of circumstances.
3. The Declaration of Independence, authored by Thomas Jefferson, reflects the principles of natural rights by asserting that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
4. Natural rights challenged the divine right of kings by proposing that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, rather than from a divine mandate.
5. The idea of natural rights provided moral justification for revolutions against oppressive governments, as individuals were seen as entitled to overthrow regimes that violated their fundamental freedoms.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of natural rights influence political thought during the Enlightenment?
  • Natural rights were a cornerstone of Enlightenment political thought, promoting the idea that individuals have inherent rights that must be respected by governments. Thinkers like John Locke argued that these rights were not granted by any authority but were universal and inalienable. This shifted the focus from traditional authority to individual liberty and laid the groundwork for democratic ideals.
• Discuss how natural rights were reflected in the American Declaration of Independence and their significance in justifying the colonies' break from Britain.
  • The American Declaration of Independence explicitly states that all men are created equal and possess unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This reflects the influence of natural rights philosophy, particularly from Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke. By asserting these rights, the Declaration justified the colonies' separation from Britain as a necessary action against a government that was infringing upon these fundamental freedoms.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of natural rights on modern democratic governments and civil rights movements across the globe.
  • The concept of natural rights has profoundly shaped modern democratic governments by establishing a framework for individual freedoms and limitations on governmental power. It has influenced various civil rights movements around the world, advocating for equality and justice based on inherent human dignity. The enduring legacy of natural rights can be seen in international human rights law and constitutional protections that aim to safeguard these fundamental liberties for all people.

Related terms

social contract:

A theoretical agreement among individuals to form a government that protects their natural rights, often used to justify political authority.

enlightenment: An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing ideas about natural rights.

John Locke: An English philosopher whose writings on natural rights greatly influenced modern political thought, arguing that government should protect individuals' life, liberty, and property.