CL John Locke Flashcards
What did JL argue about the state
In the state of nature there were natural societies in which individuals enjoyed natural rights and freedoms. In this context, the state was a threat to these freedoms and rights and should be limited to ensure freedom and individualism maintained.
JL argued that rather than being based on divine right and acting arbitrarily, ………
The state should be based on social contract between the rulers and those who are ruled, with the latter having the right to remove those in power if they didn’t serve in their interests and the people no longer consented to their governance.
Locke with religion
Promoted religious tolerance, a very radical idea at the time that advocated for the separation of church and state and for the freedom of individuals to proactively their religion without gov interference or coercion.
JL social contract theory
Individuals form societies and governments through an implicit agreement to ensure the protection of their natural rights, such as life, liberty and property.
Legitimacy of the gov stems from the consent of the governed, and its authority is conditional upon its ability to safeguard these rights effectively.
JL type of government
Limited government
Government by consent to protect freedom of individuals
Emphasised the importance of separation of powers to prevent any single entity from having too much control which could lead to tyranny.
