John Locke Flashcards
1
Q
Book?
A
Two treaties of govt (1690), cornerstone of liberal thought
2
Q
Human nature?
A
Human beings are rational, guided by pursuit of self interest, but mindful of others concerns
3
Q
The state?
A
- State must be representative, based on the consent of the governed
- State of law would only be legitimate if it respected natural rights and laws, ensuring they werent worse off than in the state of nature
- States structures must therefore embody natural rights and liberties
- Ideal state = citizens had voluntarily consented to accept the state’s ruiling in return for the state improving their position (social contract theory)
4
Q
The state?
What would it have to embody?
A
- Limited govt
- Limited to represent interests of the governed
- Limited character would be confirmed by the disperal of its powers, seperation of powers
5
Q
Society?
A
- Argued that prior to the state’s existence there was a natural society, which served mankind’s interests well
- Described this as the state of nature
- Believed the state of nature was to be underpinned by natural laws, natural liberties and natural rights
- Alternative state of law was designed to improve upon an essentially tolerable situation
6
Q
The economy?
A
- State policy should respect the natural right to private property and arbitrate effectively between individuals competing for trade and resources
