John Locke Flashcards
(19 cards)
who is John Locke
key figure in classical liberalism, questioning human nature and legitimate state power
what is John Locke known as
the father of liberal philosophy
what as John Locke’s main work
Two Treatises of Government (1690)
when was Two Treatises of Government written
1690
what is classical liberalism
a form of liberalism focusing on:
- individual liberty
- limited government
- the protection of natural rights
what traditional idea did Locke reject
the medieval idea that the state was part of God’s creation and that monarchs had a ‘divine right’ to rule
what did Locke believe about legitimate government
governments are created by mankind to serve their interests and require the consent of the governed
what did Locke say about the state of nature
it was a tolerable condition guided by reason and natural laws - not “nasty, brutish, and short” like Hobbes claimed
what are natural laws and natural rights in Locke’s theory?
principles such as liberty and property that exist in nature and must be protected by law
what is Locke’s view of the ‘state of law’?
a legitimate state only exists if it upholds natural rights and enforces laws that improve upon the state of nature
what makes a state legitimate in Locke’s theory?
consent of the governed; citizens voluntarily agree to the state’s authority via a social contract
how did Locke redefine the role of the public
the public devolves power power to government via voting and can withdraw if it misused
how does Locke propose the separation of powers
executive and legislative branches must be separate. Lawmakers (parliament) should be distinct from law enforcers (judiciary)
what historical events influenced Locke’s thinking
English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution (1688); he saw battles caused by collision of monarchical and parliamentary powers
how did Locke refer to people under government?
replaced the term “subjects” with “citizens” to reflect political equality and consent
what were John Locke’s views on the economy
- supported private property
- free markets
- minimal state interference
- believed property rights were natural rights derived from mixing one’s labour with the land, and that government’s role was to protect these rights
what were John Locke’s views on the state
the state exists to protect natural rights - life, liberty, and property - and must be based on the consent of the governed. its power should be limited and it must respect individual freedom
what were John Locke’s views on society
Locke believed society was based on a voluntary social contract where individuals consent to be governed to protect their natural rights - life, liberty, and property. he argued for limited government and that society functions best with respect for individual freedom and the rule of law
what were John Locke’s views on human nature
humans are rational, capable of self-government, and born with natural rights to life, liberty and property
