Natural rights

Definition

Natural rights are fundamental human rights that every individual possesses simply by being human, often described as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are believed to be inherent and inalienable, meaning they cannot be surrendered or taken away, forming the basis for various social contracts and government structures. This concept played a significant role in the ideological movements that shaped political thought and revolutions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural rights were a key concept during the Enlightenment, particularly articulated by philosophers like John Locke who influenced revolutionary thought.
2. These rights are not granted by any authority; instead, they are considered inherent to all individuals and serve as a foundation for just governance.
3. The idea of natural rights laid the groundwork for modern democracy, emphasizing the importance of individual freedoms and equality before the law.
4. In colonial America, the belief in natural rights fueled resistance against British rule, as colonists felt their rights were being violated.
5. Natural rights were explicitly mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, which stated that people have unalienable rights that include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke shape the understanding of natural rights?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke significantly shaped the understanding of natural rights by arguing that these rights are inherent to all individuals and cannot be legitimately taken away. Locke's philosophy emphasized that governments are formed to protect these natural rights and that if a government fails to do so, citizens have the right to overthrow it. This perspective not only influenced political theory but also inspired revolutionary movements around the world.
• Discuss how natural rights impacted colonial society's views on governance and authority during the pre-Revolutionary period.
  • Natural rights greatly influenced colonial society's views on governance and authority by encouraging a sense of entitlement among colonists regarding their freedoms. As they believed these rights were being infringed upon by British rule—through taxation without representation and other oppressive measures—colonists began to question the legitimacy of British authority. This mindset fostered unity among colonies, paving the way for collective action against perceived injustices and ultimately leading to calls for independence.
• Evaluate the significance of natural rights in shaping key documents such as the Declaration of Independence and how this reflects broader societal changes.
  • The significance of natural rights in shaping key documents like the Declaration of Independence lies in their articulation as foundational principles for just governance. The Declaration asserts that all men are created equal with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, reflecting a radical shift toward valuing individual freedoms over monarchical rule. This change not only justified the break from Britain but also inspired future democratic movements globally, highlighting a broader societal transformation toward embracing personal liberties and self-governance.

Related terms

social contract:

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and establish a government that protects their natural rights, often discussed by philosophers like John Locke.

John Locke:

An influential Enlightenment philosopher who argued for the concept of natural rights and asserted that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed.

enlightenment: An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, which heavily influenced ideas about natural rights.