Origins Flashcards
(29 cards)
Who is John Locke?
John Locke is regarded as an Enlightenment icon and the ‘father’ of liberalism.
What is mechanistic theory?
Mechanistic theory, linked to John Locke’s writings, argues that mankind is rational and capable of devising a state that reflects mankind’s needs.
What did mechanistic theory rebuff?
It was a pointed rebuff to the ‘divine right of kings’, which argued that the state reflected God’s will.
What was the Enlightenment?
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that emerged in the mid-seventeenth century, profoundly affecting politics in the eighteenth century.
What belief defined the Enlightenment?
The Enlightenment was defined by a belief in reason rather than faith, promoting debate and inquiry.
What radical ideas emerged from the Enlightenment?
Radical ideas included that each individual has free will and is the best judge of their own interests.
What did John Locke question?
John Locke questioned the relationship between individuals and governments, seeking to define why individuals should defer to those who govern them.
What was the prevailing assumption about government before the Enlightenment?
It was assumed that the natural form of government was monarchical, with kings placed by God.
What doctrine supported the acceptance of a king’s decisions?
The doctrine termed ‘the divine right of kings’ supported the acceptance of a king’s decisions by subjects.
How did the Enlightenment challenge medieval attitudes?
The Enlightenment challenged and eventually destroyed medieval attitudes dominated by faith, religion, and superstition.
What did Enlightenment philosophers believe about human beings?
Enlightenment philosophers believed that human beings were endowed with the power of logic, calculation, and deduction.
What principle do political scientists describe as mechanistic theory?
The principle that human beings should create a political system based upon reason is described as mechanistic theory.
Who is considered the father of liberal philosophy?
John Locke is usually seen as the father of liberal philosophy.
What is John Locke’s most significant work?
His book ‘Two Treatises of Government’ (1690) is regarded as the cornerstone of liberal thought.
What type of liberalism is Locke associated with?
Locke is seen as a central figure in classical liberalism.
What principle did Locke deny regarding the state?
Locke denied the medieval principle that the state was part of God’s creation.
What did Locke argue about the creation of the state?
He argued that the true state would be created by mankind to serve mankind’s interests, arising only from the consent of the governed.
How did Locke describe the state of nature?
Locke described the state of nature as a ‘natural’ society that served mankind’s interests tolerably well.
What was Locke’s view of human nature?
Locke had an upbeat view of human nature, believing it was guided by rationalism.
What are natural rights according to Locke?
Natural rights include ‘natural liberties’ and the right to property.
