Natural Rights

Definition

Natural rights are fundamental human rights that are believed to be inherent and universal, not granted by any authority. These rights are often considered to include the right to life, liberty, and property, and they play a crucial role in shaping political philosophy and theories of government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The idea of natural rights gained significant traction during the Enlightenment, with philosophers like John Locke arguing that these rights are inalienable and must be protected by government.
2. Natural rights are often contrasted with legal rights, which are granted by specific laws and can vary by society or government.
3. The Declaration of Independence in the United States famously references natural rights, stating that individuals have the right to 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'
4. Rousseau emphasized the importance of collective natural rights within the context of community and governance, advocating for a balance between individual freedoms and the common good.
5. Natural rights serve as a foundation for many democratic principles, influencing concepts like equality, justice, and individual freedom throughout history.

Review Questions

• How do natural rights serve as a foundation for social contract theories proposed by influential philosophers?
  • Natural rights provide the moral framework for social contract theories by asserting that individuals possess inherent rights that must be respected by any governing body. Philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau used the concept of natural rights to justify why individuals would agree to form governments. They argued that by entering into a social contract, people trade some freedoms in exchange for the protection of their natural rights, thus forming the basis of legitimate political authority.
• In what ways did Enlightenment thinkers influence the understanding of natural rights and their implications for governance?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like Locke emphasized that natural rights are inherent and should not be infringed upon by governments. Their writings challenged existing monarchies and authoritarian structures by promoting the idea that legitimate governments exist to protect these rights. The influence of these ideas is evident in documents like the Declaration of Independence, which asserts that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed to secure natural rights, thereby reshaping political thought on individual freedoms and governance.
• Evaluate the impact of natural rights on modern human rights movements and contemporary understandings of justice and equality.
  • Natural rights have had a profound impact on modern human rights movements by providing a foundational argument for universal human dignity and equality. The principles of life, liberty, and property articulated by Enlightenment philosophers resonate in contemporary discussions about civil rights, social justice, and global human rights initiatives. The continued relevance of natural rights can be seen in various international declarations and treaties aiming to protect individuals from oppression and ensure equitable treatment across diverse societies.

Related terms

Social Contract:

A theory that posits individuals consent to form a government in exchange for protection of their natural rights, creating a moral basis for political authority.

State of Nature: A philosophical concept that describes the condition of humanity before the establishment of government and societal structures, often used to illustrate the need for social contracts.

Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, which can be seen as an extension or broader interpretation of natural rights.