Liberal Thinkers John Locke Flashcards
John Locke on power
He was strongly opposed to the exercise of power unrestrained by law.he argued that both the rulers and the people must be subjected to law
This is the concept limited government-government derives it’s legitimacy from the people and should govern in accordance to natural rights it does not have god given powers to rule over others
John Locke tolerance and equality
Government should exercise tolerance in religious matters and not interfere in the area of private conscience
However Locke did not believe in democracy or political equality in the modern sense
He is unclear on his view of equality for women but did not tolerate atheism
He emphasised the importance of civil society and if basing authority on consent
John Locke on the state
Holds the classical liberal view that the state should be in place to serve the people and that no rational person would willingly object to arbitrary rule
State does not have inherent rights over people- concept of a social contract the idea that society,state and government are based on a Theoretical voluntary agreement
