Human Nature

what did Locke believe about the state of nature

Locke believed that the state of nature was living without any government or rulers as people were and are inherently peaceful and respectful

what did Locke believe about the condition of the state of nature

believed the state of nature was a condition in which humans lived before the formation of governments

in the Lockes idea of the state before government what did freedoms did humans have

people were free and equal

in the Lockes idea of the state before government what were humans guided by

guided by reason and natural law

what did natural law dictate

that no one ought to harm another in their life, liberty or property

what was the environment like in Lockes belife about the state of nature

generally peaceful and rational condition

what negative did Locke acknowledge about his state of nature

that disputes could arise because individuals were biased when enforcing natural law

what was Lockes idea of the social contract

that the public should voluntarily agree to be governed and fulfill their part of the deal by giving up a small amount of their rights to ultimately protect rights

what was the social contract an agreement between

an agreement amongst individuals to form a government

what do people give up in the social contract and why

People voluntarily give up some of their natural freedoms to a political authority in exchange for protection of their rights (especially life, liberty and property) 

how does the social contract legitimise governement

This government only had legitimate power because it was based on the consent of government

what happens if the government violates trust in the social contract

If the government violated this trust it abused its powers, the people had the right to revolt

what did Locke say the purpose of the state was

to protect natural rights- life, liberty and property.

why does Locke say the state exists

to provide impartial laws, a neutral judge, and enforcement of justice

how does Locke say the state must act

in accordance with the will of the people and maintain limited power

how does Locke say a legitimate government functions

by the rule of law, not arbitrary authority

what does Locke believe about human nature

• that humans have the capacity to bring about progress and further happiness

• humans are inherit rational creatures which allows humans to find solutions to problems

what does Locke believe the reason of mankind is

mankind’s innate reason is manifested debate, discussion and logical examination of ideas

what does Locke think our rationalism allows

rationalism allows human nature to shape our own destiny

whats egotistical individualism

the belief that individuals are naturally self-seeking/ self-serving and naturally drawn to the advancements of their own interests

how are individuals both egotistical and reasonable

whilst they look to advocate their own interests, they are also sensitive to the perspective of their peers

whats the liberal view of human nature

liberal view of human nature is closely linked to the concept of liberal society

what does Hobbes say on liberal society

that the state of nature would be ‘nasty, brutish and short’ (Hobbes)

what does Locke say on a liberal society in comparison to Hobbes

he has a more optimistic view- rationalism and optimistic individuals lead to the notion that society can exist without the need do the state

what does Locke cite the existence of a natural society as

‘natural society; with underlying natural laws which outline individuals natural rights: life, property and happiness”

what do liberals say about lie before the states existence

they accept that life before the states existence could be positive and optimistic due to respect for natural laws/ rights

what does mill believe about a liberal society

that the purpose of nay society should be to facilitate and promote individualism.

whats the ultimate foundational principle of a liberal society

to prone freedom and liberty