GO 171 Locke Terms

Political Power: The right to make and enforce laws for the public good, with the authority to protect property, punish criminals, and defend the community. Unlike Hobbes, Locke sees political power as limited by the consent of the governed.

State of Nature (Compared to Hobbes): A condition before government where people are free and equal, governed by the Law of Nature. Unlike Hobbes’ violent "war of all against all," Locke’s state of nature is largely peaceful but still insecure, leading people to form governments.

Freedom in the state of nature, freedom means living without subjection to another’s will, bound only by the Law of Nature.

Freedom in civil society, freedom is preserved but regulated by just laws that protect individual rights. Unlike Hobbes, Locke sees government as a protector, not an absolute ruler, of freedom.

License: The abuse of freedom—acting without regard for the Law of Nature or the rights of others. True freedom is not license but is limited by moral and natural laws.

Law of Nature (Compared to Hobbes): A moral law, discoverable by reason, dictating that people should not harm one another in life, liberty, or property. Unlike Hobbes, who sees the Law of Nature as a set of self-preservation rules, Locke views it as a moral obligation to respect others' rights.

State of War (Compared to Hobbes): Unlike Hobbes’ state of nature, which is a state of war, Locke sees war as arising when one person tries to impose absolute power over another. War occurs when force replaces reason.

Absolute Power (Compared to Hobbes): Locke opposes absolute power, arguing that no one can rightfully have total control over another. Hobbes, by contrast, sees absolute sovereignty as necessary for order.

Slavery (Compared to Hobbes): The condition of being under absolute power. Unlike Hobbes, who justifies slavery under conquest, Locke argues that no one can voluntarily enslave themselves, since humans are naturally free. However, he makes exceptions for captives in just wars.

Basis of the Natural Right to Property: Property originates when a person mixes their labor with natural resources, making it their own. This is a key departure from Hobbes, who sees property as existing only by state enforcement.

Spoliation Proviso: The idea that one may take from nature only as much as they can use without waste. Locke argues that property rights are limited—people cannot hoard resources that others need.

Honor Due to Parents: While parental authority is natural, it is not absolute. Children owe respect to their parents but are free once they reach maturity, unlike Hobbes’ more hierarchical family structure.

Political Society/Civil Society: The organized community formed when individuals consent to leave the state of nature and establish government to protect their rights. This contrasts with Hobbes, who sees society as necessary to escape chaos.

Legislative Power: The supreme power of government, tasked with making laws to protect life, liberty, and property. It must govern by established laws and cannot be arbitrary.

Executive Power: The power to enforce the law and punish offenders. Unlike Hobbes’ sovereign, Locke's executive is not absolute and can be checked by the people.

Federative Power: The power to conduct foreign affairs, including making treaties and defending the commonwealth. This is distinct from legislative and executive power.

Beginning of Political Society in Consent: Government is only legitimate if people explicitly or tacitly consent to it. Unlike Hobbes, who sees submission to the sovereign as necessary, Locke argues that people must willingly join society.

Tacit Consent: Implied agreement to government by using its protections, such as living within a state’s territory.

Express Consent: Active, deliberate agreement to a government, such as swearing allegiance or voting.

Prerogative: The discretionary power of the executive to act for the public good when laws are silent or insufficient. Unlike Hobbes’ all-powerful sovereign, Locke allows for limited executive flexibility.

Conquest: The forcible taking of control. Locke argues that conquest does not create legitimate rule, since true authority comes only from consent.

Usurpation: The unlawful seizure of power. A usurper lacks legitimacy because they rule without the people’s consent.

Tyranny: When a ruler acts in self-interest rather than the public good, violating the people’s rights. Unlike Hobbes, who sees strong rule as necessary, Locke argues that tyranny justifies resistance.

Dissolution of the Society: The complete breakdown of a political community, returning people to the state of nature.

Dissolution of the Government: When a government ceases to protect the people’s rights, but society remains. In this case, people have the right to form a new government.

Rebellion: The justified resistance against tyranny. Unlike Hobbes, who condemns rebellion as a return to chaos, Locke believes people have the right to overthrow oppressive rulers.

Appeal to Heaven: A metaphor for the final resort to force when no lawful authority remains to resolve disputes. Locke suggests that when all legal avenues fail, the oppressed may fight for their rights, as if appealing to divine justice.