John Locke

Definition

John Locke was an influential 17th-century English philosopher whose ideas laid the groundwork for modern democracy and liberal political theory. He is best known for his concepts of natural rights, government by consent, and the social contract, which argue that legitimate government derives its authority from the people's agreement to be governed, reflecting a departure from absolute monarchy and authoritarian rule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Locke's philosophy strongly influenced the American Revolution, as his ideas about government by consent inspired the Founding Fathers when drafting the Declaration of Independence.
2. He argued that if a government fails to protect the natural rights of its citizens, those citizens have the right to revolt and establish a new government.
3. Locke's work 'Two Treatises of Government' outlines his arguments for individual rights and the necessity of a government that operates with the consent of the governed.
4. He emphasized the importance of property ownership as a natural right and believed that the protection of property is a primary function of government.
5. Locke's ideas on religious tolerance contributed to the development of liberal thought, promoting the separation of church and state.

Review Questions

• How did John Locke's ideas about natural rights influence modern democratic thought?
  • John Locke's emphasis on natural rights fundamentally shaped modern democratic thought by establishing the principle that every individual possesses inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. This framework provided a moral foundation for political authority, arguing that governments must protect these rights. Locke's ideas became key elements in various democratic documents, including the United States Declaration of Independence, reinforcing the belief that governments are accountable to their citizens.
• In what ways does Locke's concept of the social contract differ from absolute monarchy?
  • Locke's concept of the social contract contrasts sharply with absolute monarchy by asserting that legitimate political power arises from the consent of the governed rather than divine right or coercive rule. In absolute monarchies, rulers wield unchecked authority; however, Locke believed that rulers should only govern with the permission of those they serve. This shift emphasizes accountability and the protection of individual rights against tyranny, setting a precedent for modern governance.
• Evaluate how John Locke's notion of tabula rasa contributes to his views on education and government.
  • John Locke's notion of tabula rasa suggests that individuals are born without innate knowledge and are shaped by their experiences. This idea extends to his views on education, where he advocates for an environment that fosters critical thinking and moral development. In governance, this perspective supports his argument for a society based on reasoned agreement and rational consent, as he believes well-informed citizens can better safeguard their natural rights and participate in self-governance.

Related terms

Natural Rights: Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, including life, liberty, and property, which John Locke argued should be protected by government.

Social Contract: The theoretical agreement among individuals to form a society and establish a government, as proposed by Locke, to protect their natural rights.

Tabula Rasa: The idea that individuals are born as 'blank slates' and acquire knowledge through experience, a concept endorsed by Locke in his discussions of human development and education.