John Locke - Key Thinker 1

Question 1

Locke’s view on Human Nature

Answer 1

Positive, led by rationalism

Opposes Hobbes’ ‘nasty + brutish’ form

Question 2

Locke’s view on creation of the state

Answer 2

Denied state was God’s creation

Disputed divine right of kings

Question 3

Legitimate state

Answer 3

A state created mankind, to serve mankind’s interests

Would arise only with the consent of those being governed

Question 4

Natural society / State of nature

Answer 4

How things ran prior to the state’s creation

Served mankind’s interests well

Question 5

Social Contact Theory

Answer 5

Locke’s ideal state

Citizens voluntarily accepted the state’s ruling. In return, the state would improve their situation

Question 6

Locke’s view on size of government

Answer 6

Contractual nature = limited government

Govern within pre-agreed rules , always requires consent of those being governed

Confirmed through separation of powers

Opposite of arbitrary / monarchal / feudal rule

Question 7

What underpins the state of nature?

Answer 7

Natural rights

Natural laws

Natural justice

*Creates a society which no one wants to leave

Question 8

What is the state of law?

Answer 8

The structure of the modern state - designed as an improved state of nature

Locke - state of law only legitimate if it respected natural laws + rights

Therefore, those living under formal law (state of law) are no worse off than those living under state of nature