Heading: John Locke (John Lockes Political Philosophy)

Research: What is John Lockes political philosophy with regards to the following:
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- Government (Why? How? Purpose?) - Natural Rights - Social Contract - Right of Rebellion

John Locke
(1632 - 1704)

What would human society be like in a state of nature? Most people would be reasonable, good, and respectful. Individual self-interest may drive some people to abuse others.

John Locke
(1632 - 1704)

Natural Rights

John Locke said,

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...rights to life, liberty, and property are natural rights given by God that no man can take away.

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Do God given rights exist? Are there more? Less?

John Locke
(1632 - 1704)

Right to Govern

John Locke believes,

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[Legitimate] governments do not exist until people have given their consent to create them.

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Should the right to govern come from the consent of the people or the ability of the strong and capable?

John Locke
(1632 - 1704)

Right of Rebellion

John Locke believes,

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Rebellion against a govt is acceptable if it fails to protect ones individual rights.

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Is rebellion against a govt acceptable if it fails to protect ones right to life, liberty, and property?

John Locke
(1632 - 1704)

Purpose of Government

John Locke says,

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The main purpose of government is to protect our natural rights (life, liberty, & property) from a state of nature.

How good of a job is our government ! doing today to protect our natural rights? Where is it strong? Where is it weak?
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John Locke
(1632 - 1704)

The stronger always tend to violate the rights of the weaker.

Individual self-interest may drive some people to abuse others.

...weaker people would try to protect their rights by joining together against the strong

(John Lockes Political Philosophy)

In a state of nature, nobodys individual rights would be completely safe.

(John Lockes Political Philosophy)

In order for people to gain protection from a state of nature...

In order for people to have their natural rights to life, liberty, and property secured...

People enter into social contracts and create.... GOVERNMENTS

John Locke (John Lockes Political Philosophy)

Main purpose of government is to protect those natural

rights an individual cannot protect in a state of nature.

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Natural Rights - People have the rights to life (survive),

liberty (freedom to make their own decisions), and property (possessions and economic benets) in a state of nature.

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Natural rights are given by God and no person can take

those rights away

John Locke (John Lockes Political Philosophy)

Governments do not exist until people create them

(social contract)

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The right to govern only comes from the peoples

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consent, therefore lawful govt doesnt exist w/o the peoples consent
contract and rights of individuals, the people have the right to resist and rebel in order to establish a new and better contract.

Right of Rebellion - If a government violates the social