John Locke Flashcards
(15 cards)
When was John Locke alive?
1632-1704
What is his book and when was it written?
Two Treatises of Government
1690
What kind of thinker is he?
Classical Liberal
What is ‘Social Contract Theory’
The consent of the governed
In return, the sate improves the current situation
What is the natural society called?
The state of nature
What kind of view of human nature does Locke have?
Positive
What guides rationalism- according to Locke?
Human nature
What are the main aspects of Locke’s natural state?
Natural laws
Natural liberties
Natural rights
What is the state of law?
Modern state as we know it
What must the state do?
Improve the tolerable situation of the state of nature
Resolve disputes between individuals more effectively and efficiently that the state of nature
How is the state legitimate?
If it respects the natural rights and has the consent of the governed
What kind of governement did Locke want?
Limited- represent interests and have the consent of the governed
What was Locke against?
A state created by a celestial power
Divine right of kings
Ordinary people being ‘subjects’ of the state
Thomas Hobbes: ‘nasty, brutish and short.’
What key events happened in Locke’s lifetime?
Great Plague
Glorious Revolution
War against France
Great Fire of London
What were Locke’s views on the dispersal of power?
Separate executive and legislative branches
Separate law makers and enforcers
