Locke

Question 1

What is Locke’s theory in ‘Two Treatises of Government’?

Answer 1

Locke argues that property is a natural right, and its legitimacy comes from the individual’s labour.

Question 2

What is the definition of the ‘State of Nature’?

Answer 2

The State of Nature is a hypothetical condition where humans live without a formal government or established political authority, characterized by freedom and equality.

Question 3

How does Locke describe the State of Nature?

Answer 3

Locke believed the State of Nature was peaceful and orderly, where humans would respect each other’s rights and not need constant warfare.

Question 4

What is Locke’s view on Natural Law and Reason?

Answer 4

The law of nature governs individuals in the State of Nature, guiding people to live peacefully and avoid harm. Humans can discern right from wrong and should respect others’ rights to life, liberty, and property.

Question 5

What does Locke mean by ‘Freedom and Equality in the State of Nature’?

Answer 5

In the State of Nature, individuals are free to act as they wish and are equal, with no one having natural authority over others. Everyone is entitled to the same basic rights.

Question 6

How does Locke define ‘Freedom’ in the State of Nature?

Answer 6

Freedom means individuals have the liberty to act as they wish, pursuing their happiness without interfering with others’ ability to do the same, as long as it doesn’t harm others.

Question 7

How does Locke define ‘Equality’ in the State of Nature?

Answer 7

Equality means no one is born with natural authority over others, and everyone is entitled to the same basic rights, with no social hierarchy or distinctions.

Question 8

What is the criticism of Locke’s theory in modern society?

Answer 8

Locke’s theory is seen as outdated, as modern society has hierarchies and authority based on social status, wealth, or birthright, which contradicts the idea of equality and freedom in Locke’s view.

Question 9

What are natural rights in Locke’s theory?

Answer 9

Natural rights are inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or given up. They include self-preservation, property, and liberty.

Question 10

What is the most important natural right in Locke’s theory?

Answer 10

Self-preservation, or survival, is the most important natural right. It means individuals have the right to protect their lives from harm, including defending themselves and maintaining their health and safety.

Question 11

How does Locke connect self-preservation to property?

Answer 11

Owning property is essential for survival. People need control over resources like food, shelter, and tools to survive. Property rights help fulfil the basic needs for self-preservation.

Question 12

How does Locke define the right to property?

Answer 12

Locke ties property to labour. In the state of nature, people can claim property by mixing their labour with natural resources. Property rights are necessary for survival and independence.

Question 13

Can you give an example of Locke’s view on property?

Answer 13

A farmer finds an empty piece of land, clears it, grows crops, and builds a house.

Question 14

Can you give an example of Locke’s view on property?

Answer 14

A farmer finds an empty piece of land, clears it, grows crops, and builds a house. This land now belongs to the farmer because they mixed their labour with it, which aligns with Locke’s idea of property.

Question 15

What is the right to liberty in Locke’s theory?

Answer 15

In the state of nature, individuals are free to act as they wish, as long as they don’t harm others. Liberty is limited by natural law and the rights of others.

Question 16

How does Locke define the limits of liberty?

Answer 16

Liberty is limited by natural law. One person cannot exercise their freedom in a way that harms another person’s life, liberty, or property.

Question 17

How does Locke view the enforcement of natural rights?

Answer 17

In the state of nature, individuals can enforce their own natural rights. If someone violates another’s rights, the victim can punish the wrongdoer. However, Locke warns this could lead to problems because people may not always act fairly.

Question 18

What problems does Locke recognize with individuals defending their natural rights on their own?

Answer 18

Locke identifies three key problems: lack of an impartial judge, inconvenience of personal enforcement, and absence of a formal system of protection.

Question 19

What is the problem of ‘Lack of an impartial judge’?

Answer 19

In the state of nature, there is no higher authority to resolve conflicts fairly, making it difficult to maintain peace and order.

Question 20

What is the problem of ‘The inconvenience of personal enforcement’?

Answer 20

Individuals may take the law into their own hands, which can lead to bias, unfair treatment, or escalation of conflicts.

Question 21

What is the problem of ‘The absence of a formal system of protection’?

Answer 21

Without laws to regulate property, contracts, and agreements, life in the state of nature is insecure and undermines liberty.

Question 22

How does Locke propose solving these problems?

Answer 22

Locke argues that individuals enter into a social contract to form a government that protects their natural rights and enforces the rule of law.

Question 23

What is Locke’s vision of government?

Answer 23

Locke’s government is limited, based on the consent of the people, and its authority is only legitimate if it protects natural rights and follows the rule of law.

Question 24

How does Locke’s government address the problems of personal judgement and impartiality?

Answer 24

The government replaces personal judgement with the rule of law, acting as a neutral body to enforce citizens’ rights equally and fairly.

Question 25

How does Hobbes' view of property differ from Locke's?

Answer 25

Hobbes believed that without a strong government, life would be chaotic, and property rights would not be protected. Locke saw property as a natural right, but Hobbes argued that property only exists because the government enforces it.

Question 26

What does Hobbes believe would happen in the state of nature?

Answer 26

Hobbes believed that in the state of nature, without government, life would be violent and people would fight over resources and property.

Question 27

What is Hobbes' solution to avoid chaos?

Answer 27

Hobbes argued that people must give up some of their natural rights and agree to a social contract, obeying a strong ruler or government in exchange for protection and security.

Question 28

What does Locke mean by self-ownership?

Answer 28

Locke argues that each individual owns themselves, meaning they have full control over their body and actions.

Question 29

What is Locke's labour theory of property?

Answer 29

Locke's labour theory states that individuals acquire property by mixing their labour with natural resources. When a person works on something, they transform it, and the product of their labour rightfully belongs to them.

Question 30

How does Locke define the value of property?

Answer 30

Locke believes that the value of property is determined by the amount of labour invested in it. The more effort a person puts into transforming a resource, the more entitled they are to it.

Question 31

What is the 'Lockean proviso'?

Answer 31

Locke's proviso states that individuals can only claim property if there is still enough left for others. This ensures no one's ability to access resources is harmed.

Question 32

How does Locke address the issue of money and property accumulation?

Answer 32

Locke argues that with money, people can store the value of their labour and accumulate wealth. Since money doesn't spoil, they can accumulate as much as they want, as long as they trade their labour for it.

Question 33

What criticism does Locke's labour theory face regarding the 'enough and as good left' rule?

Answer 33

Critics argue that the Lockean proviso isn't fulfilled in real-world property systems. With the rise of capitalism and privatization of the commons, many are deprived of resources, making it difficult to acquire property as Locke envisioned.

Question 34

What is the problem with Locke's definition of mixing labour with nature?

Answer 34

Critics like Rousseau and Marx point out that Locke's concept is vague. Rousseau believes it leads to inequality and social divisions, while Marx argues it benefits the rich and exploits the poor.

Question 35

How do Rousseau and Marx criticize Locke's labour theory of property?

Answer 35

Rousseau believes property creates conflict and inequality, while Marx argues that property rights in a capitalist society lead to exploitation and class oppression. Property should be shared, not concentrated in the hands of a few.

Question 36

What is the 'first occupancy' problem in Locke's theory?

Answer 36

Locke's theory assumes unowned land is available for appropriation, but most land and resources are already claimed. Critics argue that Locke doesn't address the historical realities of colonization, slavery, and violence in the creation of private property systems.

Question 37

How does Karl Marx criticize Locke's labour theory of property?

Answer 37

Marx argues that Locke's theory is unfair because it allows the rich to own land and resources, while the poor are left with nothing. Marx believes property should be shared equally and that labour should benefit everyone, not just those who own land.

Question 39

How does Jean-Jacques Rousseau criticize Locke's labour theory of property?

Answer 39

Rousseau argues that Locke's idea of property leads to inequality and competition. ## Footnote He believes property creates social divisions and conflict, preventing people from living freely and equally.