Locke And Political Authority Flashcards
Problem: if we all have the right to punish etc then
This will lead to chaos
We lack a settled and known law
Disagreement about what the laws of nature require
We lack an impartial judge
Biased by our own interests in cases that concern us
We will often lack the power to enforce judgements
Justice may not be done
In order to preserve our property we need to
Institute a civil government
How can a government be instituted
We all individually give up our right to execute the law of nature in return for the benefits of a political authority
Benefits of government
They can better protect our property
Two stages to the formation of government
We we contract with others to each give up our private executive right to execute the laws of nature - we pool our executive right to form a community
We then entrust executive power to a system of government by majority decision
To constitute an improvement on state of nature, a government must be sufficient to
Enforce and promulgate the laws of nature
Constitute an authoritative and neutral source of the arbitration of disputes
Preserve and regulate power
When is one obligated to obey government
Conforming with the law of nature
Not exceeding what power is entrusted via majority decision
Lofn + consent =
Political obligation
Is political obligation comprehensive
Area of authority might be limited by what is necessary to preserve property/ uphold the laws
Does political obligation have significant content-independence
Limited to property and limited in how it can treat property
Is absolute rule acceptable?
No, we are God’s property
Is political obligation moral
It stems from the state of nature (preservation of humankind) so is moral
