John Locke

When was he alive?

1632-1704

What was his most famous work?

‘Two treaties of govt’ (1689)

What is social contract theory?

The govt should be reliant on consent from voters, rather than impose on them from above

Why did he believe people would agree to the social contract theory?

Individuals choose to leave the state of nature and give up some individual power to the govt. Individuals are rational and therefore believe it’s in their own best interest to consent to govt.

What do individuals have the right to do according to the social contract theory?

Dissolve their govt if the govt ceases to stop working in their interest

What is Locke’s view human nature?

Prior to the existence of state, humans existed in nature (concept borrowed from Hobbes). Locke argues the human race was underpinned by ‘natural laws, liberties and rights’. These freedoms are extremely desirable so the state must not encroach them

What was his views on tolerance?

there should be tolerance between alternative religious + political views, and the ‘state of law’ would see the state resolve disputes between individuals more equitably than what can be achieved within a state of nature

What does Locke argue about freedom in his book? (And quote)

‘Where laws do not exist, man has no freedom’ - supporting a limite state rather than a lack of one

What was Locke’s view on the economy?

Private property is a natural right and the state’s role is merely to arbitrate between individual competing for trade + resources - interference should be limited