Overview of John Locke's Political Philosophy

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts from Jeremy Waldron's overview of John Locke's political philosophy.

Natural rights

Rights that individuals have simply by being human, including the right to life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract

An agreement among individuals to form a government that aims to protect their natural rights.

Tacit Consent

The idea that individuals give consent to be governed by participating in society, such as using public roads.

Limited Government

A government that is restricted in its powers and held accountable to the people, primarily protecting their natural rights.

Natural Law

A system of laws based on morality and ethics, which govern human behavior and establish rights and obligations.

Religious Toleration

The acceptance of different religious beliefs and practices; Locke advocated for it with exceptions for atheists and Catholics.

Right of Revolution

The right of the people to overthrow a government that is oppressive or violates their natural rights.

Hypothetical vs. Literal Contract

Locke’s view that the social contract serves both as a theoretical concept for evaluating government and as a historical account of its origins.

Property Theory

Locke's perspective that property rights arise from mixing one's labor with resources, and it is limited by the need to leave enough for others.

Liberalism

A political philosophy advocating for individual rights, democracy, and freedom, heavily influenced by Locke’s ideas.