Locke's Two Treatises Chapters 1-4 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What estate are all men naturally in?

A state of perfect freedom to order their actions.

What is a state of equality?

A state of equality is where all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal, no one having more than another.

What does Locke say about people born of the same species or rank?

These people should be equal amongst another, without subordination or subjection.

What can happen if someone does harm?

They must look to suffer or be punished. Signup and view all the answers

Why must someone who does harm look to suffer?

Because others have shown greater love to that person than they've shown to them and that is not mutual love. Signup and view all the answers

What does Locke note about a state of liberty?

It is not a state of license, and men have uncontrollable liberty to dispose of his possessions or people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the law of nature?

The law of nature is no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the reasoning behind the law of nature according to Locke?

All men were put into the world by an infinitely wise maker, and they are his property, not to be cut short by anyone else. Signup and view all the answers

What will the law of nature achieve?

Peace and preservation of all mankind. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to transgressors?

They are punished. Signup and view all the answers

To what extent should a criminal be punished?

Only as far as reason and conscience dictate, proportionate to his transgression. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Locke say people can't be their own judge?

Because man's self-love for themselves will make them partial to themselves and friends, and revenge will make punishments for others too severe. Signup and view all the answers

What is the remedy rather than having people be their own judges?

Civil Government. Signup and view all the answers

When are men no longer in a state of nature?

When they join a political society with their own consent. Signup and view all the answers

What is a state of war?

A state of war is a state of enmity and destruction. Signup and view all the answers

How is a state of war declared?

It is declared by either word or action. Signup and view all the answers

What is the manner of war?

War is a sedate settled design. Signup and view all the answers

What does the fundamental law of nature suggest in a state of war?

It suggests that I have the right to destroy whatever threatens me with destruction, when all cannot be preserved, the preservation of the innocent is preferred. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between state of war and state of nature?

Nature is a state of peace and goodwill, while war is a state of mutual destruction. Signup and view all the answers

What is a man's natural liberty?

A man's natural liberty is to be free of any superior power, besides legislative power designed by a commonwealth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

State of Nature

Men exist in a state of perfect freedom to order their own actions.
A state of equality allows for reciprocal power and jurisdiction, ensuring no one dominates another.
Individuals born of the same species/rank should possess equal advantages and should not be subject to subordination.

Consequences of Harm

If an individual inflicts harm, they are subject to suffering or punishment.
The imbalance of love shown to one person compared to the harm done justifies the need for punishment.

Liberty and Law of Nature

The state of liberty does not equate to a state of license; individuals cannot dispose of possessions or people without restraint.
The law of nature dictates that one must not harm another's life, health, liberty, or possessions.
This law seeks to ensure peace and the preservation of mankind.

Punishment and Justice

Transgressors of natural law face punishment.
Punishment should be proportionate to the offense, based on reason and conscience.
Individuals cannot act as their own judges due to inherent biases and tendencies for revenge, which may lead to excessive punishments.

Role of Government

Civil government serves as a remedy to the issues arising from self-judgment and partiality.
Individuals leave the state of nature upon consenting to join a political society.

State of War

A state of war is characterized by enmity and destruction, declared through actions or words.
War is defined as a settled and deliberate design among parties.
The fundamental law of nature permits the destruction of threats to survival, favoring the preservation of the innocent.

Distinction Between States

The state of nature embodies peace and goodwill, whereas the state of war represents mutual destruction.

Natural Liberty

A man's natural liberty entails freedom from any superior power, except for the legislative authority established by a commonwealth.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Chapters 1-4 of Locke's 'Two Treatises of Government.' Explore the ideas of the state of nature and equality as articulated by Locke. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of political philosophy.