Lesson 1 Quiz Flashcards
This doctrine assumes that human beings have rights in a “state of nature” and create government in order to protect those rights
natural rights (philosophy)
3 philosophical rights
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Who is John Locke? What philosophy did he create?
He is an Englishman political philosopher. most important influence on thinking of the Founders at the time of the revolution. His philosophy is called the natural rights philosophy
a condition in which there is no government; basis of natural rights philosophy; the hypothetical condition of people living together in a society
state of nature
example of a state of nature. how is it a state of nature?
Even though the United Nations exists, the international relations between countries operate on a state of nature. there is no superior power that can act effectively as a government over these individual countries
the traits of personality and character that all human beings have in common
human nature
a claim to have or obtain something, or to act in a way that is justified on legal or moral grounds
right
How have rights changed?
rights used to be considered special privileges enjoyed by certain groups or classes (white men) and not enjoyed by any outsiders , however, natural rights philosophers like John Locke disagreed with this interpretation and believed that people’s opportunities should not be limited by the situation or group into which they were born. They saw society as a collection of individuals, all of whom shared the same right to pursue his or her own welfare.
3 essences of humanity
life, liberty, and property
fundamental rights belonging to every member of a society. These rights secure things such as freedom of conscience and privacy, and protecting one unfair discrimination by government or others. Serves to protect natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
civil rights
all of the implicit (constitutionally guaranteed) and implied (by natural laws) rights of a citizen in free society. rights such as the right to vote or to run for office, which gives you control over your government. Also serves to protect natural rights to life, liberty, and property
political rights
fundamental rights of the people that may not be taken away. This phrase was used in the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. Rights so much part of human nature, they can’t be taken away or given up
unalienable (inalienable) rights
the agreement among all the people in a society to give up part of their freedom to a government in return for the protection of their natural rights by that government. Each person agrees with others to create and live under a government and give it the power to make and enforce laws.
social contract
Agreement or acquiescence
consent
in natural rights, this would prevail in the absence of man-made law and contains universally obligatory standards of justice
law of nature