John Locke

Definition

John Locke was an influential English philosopher and political theorist in the 17th century, known for his ideas on natural rights, the state of nature, and the social contract. His work laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and influenced various aspects of political philosophy, especially in relation to individual liberty, governance, and human rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Locke's idea of the state of nature posits that individuals were free and equal before the formation of societies and governments, living in a condition of perfect freedom but also facing potential conflicts over resources.
2. He believed that the legitimacy of government arises from the consent of the governed, which means that rulers derive their power from the approval of the people they govern.
3. Locke's writings greatly influenced the American and French revolutions, as his principles about liberty and governance inspired revolutionary leaders.
4. His view of property emphasized that individuals have a right to own private property as a natural extension of their labor and investment into resources.
5. Locke argued that if a government fails to protect the natural rights of its citizens, they have the right to revolt and establish a new government.

Review Questions

• How does Locke's concept of the state of nature contrast with Hobbes' view, and what implications does this have for social contract theory?
  • Locke's state of nature is characterized by freedom and equality, where individuals are governed by natural law and have rights to life, liberty, and property. In contrast, Hobbes viewed the state of nature as chaotic and violent, necessitating a strong authoritarian government. This contrast highlights fundamental differences in their social contract theories; while Hobbes believed people needed to surrender freedoms for security, Locke argued for government as a protector of natural rights, laying groundwork for modern democratic ideals.
• Discuss how John Locke’s theories on government consent relate to contemporary democratic practices.
  • Locke’s belief in the necessity of government deriving its legitimacy from the consent of the governed directly informs contemporary democratic practices such as voting and civil participation. Modern democracies operate under the principle that citizens must have a say in their governance through elections. This reflects Locke's notion that if a government fails to represent its citizens or protect their rights, those citizens have both a moral right and responsibility to change or overthrow that government.
• Evaluate John Locke's influence on modern human rights discussions and how his concepts can be applied to global issues today.
  • John Locke's emphasis on natural rights significantly shaped contemporary discussions around human rights. His ideas assert that every individual is entitled to life, liberty, and property, which serves as a foundation for global human rights documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today, these principles are applied in debates around issues like freedom of expression, property rights in developing nations, and humanitarian interventions in cases where governments violate basic human rights. By emphasizing individual dignity and freedom from oppression, Locke's legacy continues to resonate in efforts toward global justice.

Related terms

Natural Rights:

Fundamental rights that every individual possesses by virtue of being human, including life, liberty, and property, which Locke argued must be protected by government.

Social Contract:

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a government that will protect their natural rights, a central concept in Locke's political philosophy.

Tabula Rasa: The theory that individuals are born without innate ideas and that knowledge is instead determined by experience, a key concept in Locke's epistemology.