John Locke and His Political Philosophy

John Locke (1632-1704)

• Empiricist and Evidentialist Christian
• Advocated for tolerance of diverse Christian denominations
• Championed the separation of church and state
• Believed reason is crucial for understanding human nature and discovering truth
• Argued that reason alone can illuminate God's plan
• Authored the Second Treatise of Civil Government

The Second Treatise of Civil Government

• Examines the legitimate role of government
• Contrasts Locke's view of the state of nature with Hobbes'
• Argues that a moral standard exists in the state of nature, derived from God, preceding human agreements
• Contends that government's purpose is to protect natural rights (life, liberty, health, and property)

We Are God's Property

• Locke's concept of humanity as God's property and the implications for individual action
• Stresses that humans are created for God's purposes and not for each other's use
• Emphasizes the inherent equality within humanity
• Questions the legitimacy of subordination among humans in terms of God's design

The State of Nature and Survival

• Emphasizes God's ownership of people and their duties to God
• Argues that God grants people the right to survive and to acquire necessities
• Explores the morality of suicide as opposed to God's plan
• Points to prior thinkers like Thomas Aquinas on the concept of basic goods
• Discusses natural rights or basic rights

Natural Rights

• Natural rights exist independent of societal structures
• Distinguishes natural rights from rights created by human beings(fair trial or the right to vote)
• Outlines natural rights as encompassing life, liberty, health, and property
• Natural law, as dictated by reason, governs the state of nature
• All people are equal and independent, and no one should harm another in life, health, liberty, or possessions

Exit From the State of Nature

• Contrasts the state of nature with Hobbes' view, arguing that it's not entirely amoral
• The absence of authorities to judge and punish violations leads to issues like vigilante justice and angry mobs
• Addresses the need for a society with unbiased judges and enforced punishments to protect natural rights

The Point of Government

• Explains that individuals relinquish certain freedoms and rights to society on entering a society
• Describes the limits of governmental authority—that it must be limited to protecting natural rights, maintain peace, and uphold the public good
• Discusses the necessity of law, established prior to temporary decrees

Government is for the People

• Argues that government exists to serve the common good and protect natural rights, not to promote the ruler's interests
• Critiques Robert Filmer's authoritarian ideas about divine rule and the importance of hereditary monarchy
• Raises the point that government should not function independently from the people but in tandem

Parliamentary Governments

• Locke championed parliamentary government over authoritarian rule
• Points to his family's involvement in the English Civil War as a defense of parliament, representing puritan values.
• Stresses majority rule and the separation of legislative and executive powers.

When Revolutions Are Justified

• Explores the circumstances under which revolution is justified
• Articulates the right of the people to resist oppressive rulers who violate natural rights and act in opposition to God or the people
• Emphasizes that the people are the ultimate arbiters of their own governance

Locke and the Virginia Colony

• Addresses the connection between Locke's ideas and the Virginia colony, particularly its reliance on slavery
• Highlights the inherent tension between Locke's universal claims regarding natural rights and the existence of slavery in the colonies
• Notes the scholarly debate on whether Locke's theories demonstrably conflict with the institution of slavery

Discussion

• Poses questions about the nature of natural rights, their source, and the question of ownership by God
• Encourages critical reflection on the morality of suicide, rebellion, and the justification for revolutions
• Raises discussion points about the application of these theories to historical events like the American, French, and Russian Revolutions

Explore the key concepts of John Locke's political philosophy, focusing on his views as an empiricist and evidentialist Christian. This quiz delves into his ideas on government, the state of nature, and the moral standards derived from God, as seen in his Second Treatise of Civil Government. Test your knowledge on Locke's influence on modern governance and individual rights.