John Locke uses the fundamental principles of the state of nature as a foundation for his conclusion about the principles of politics. He notes that human nature inevitably inclines people to leave the state of nature and enter civil society. He begins with the state of nature to show the many factors that would incline human beings to enter into a governmental society. Locke details why the state of nature does not work and why there is a need for civil society.
The state of nature is the basis of Locke’s essay. It asserts that all people were born into a state of equality and no one man has authority or political power over any one but himself. In the state of nature, men and women have these unchallengeable rights. The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it. Under the law of nature, each person is free to pursue life, liberty, and property. These rights are available to us all based on a couple of concepts. The first is that we all are the workmanship of God, and should treat each other in the way He would have us treat each other. The second is the moral concept that we are all born with the same capacities and faculties and therefore, no one man is any less equal than another. The third is the prudential argument, which states that it is in our own interest to follow the laws of nature. Since the right to execute the law of nature gives every man a right to be judge and jury, the prudential reason for following the laws is that if you commit a crime against anther, they or their family will seek to punish you. In the state of nature, any offense that can be committed must be punished appropriately. The punishment should be as much as necessary to make for repentance and deter any such future acts of crime. A transgression against one man is one against society as a whole. Locke states that any person who sets out to injure himself or others should not be given equal rights under the law of nature. Unfortunately, the right of each man to protect his own rights, if acted upon, would lead to chaos. In order to avoid this chaos, people agree to a social contract where all men are governed by one common body of rule.
The Essay on Impact Of U. S. Federal And State Compliance Laws
Impact of U. S. Federal and State Compliance Laws I would change the administrative passwords on all systems routinely, implement a firewall program with remote access control which will not allow, hackers entry to your company’s system. Without passwords being assigned to data and systems, this simply protection becomes a target for hackers. Identity theft occurs in some of the largest companies ...
Locke begins his principles of politics with the state of nature in order to show that no political authority can be formed without the consent of men to give up certain powers to a political body. It also establishes the main reason for man to enter into a political society, which is, the preservation of one’s life, liberty, and property. A government is formed with the consent of all men who come under its authority. The type of political power is established based on a majority and this power has a duty to act on behalf of all men within its power. In entering into a government, man gives up some liberties, with the intention of better preserving his fundamental rights. One of the main things he gives up is natural freedom and must abide by the laws set up by civil society. Another is the right to enforce the laws of nature, except when the government is unable to protect those under its authority. Locke is trying to show that it is in the best interest of all members within a society to form a government in order to have better protection of their fundamental rights. These rights are the main foundation for Locke’s principles of politics and are based on the concept of the state of nature. Without this, his conclusions are unfounded.
Locke states that society was first formed with the union of man and woman, which led to man, woman, and children. Until the child is old enough to make decisions for himself, he is under parental rule. Because of this paternal power, human nature dictates that we are predisposed to a government of similar type, a monarchy. Since we are used to being governed by one man, our father, we see how well such a power preserves all of our fundamental rights. Therefore, we naturally seek a political society of a similar makeup. Locke is not necessarily advocating monarchy; he is, however, resigned to the fact that since infancy man is part of some form of civil society. We can, therefore, expect that he will seek out a similar form of government to rule him as an adult.
The Term Paper on American Governmen State Government Man
... man more right than his neighbors constitutes a majority of one already. [21] I meet this American government, or its representative, the State government, ... effect; but I cannot expect, like Orpheus, to change the nature of the rocks and trees and beasts. [40] ... their constituents, to the general laws of propriety, humanity, and justice, and to God. Associations formed elsewhere, springing from a ...
Locke also uses the inadequacies of the state of nature to show why man would be inclined to enter into a political society. In the state of nature, he sees life as being not so safe. If everyone were to obey the laws of nature, the state of nature could work. Unfortunately, this would not be the case; there will always be lazy people who might take the fruit of another’s labor. In addition there will people with a disposition to cause trouble. In other words there are many aspects of individual human nature that would make it impossible for all people to exist in a state of nature following the laws of nature. Another big issue is that the state of nature has no settled standing laws that would give a clear definition of the laws of nature. This causes much confusion about the boundaries of the law of nature. Without a government there is no unbiased judge who is able to enforce and interpret the laws of nature for us. Within the state of nature the weak may be unable to punish those who violate their rights. All of these factors aid in making the state of nature one of chaos. I feel that all men are not really equal in the state of nature. The weak are easily dominated by the strong, and because of their weakness, have little recourse when their rights are violated.
It seems as though men agreed to enter into a civil society to protect themselves from each other. There is a need for consistency, trust, morality, and the idea of fairness for all. Government was formed not only from a foundation of equality, but also as a means to achieve equality within society. Once a government is formed, it exists for the well being of all, thus protecting rights to life, liberty, and property. For this reason, people are willing to give up certain rights in order to obtain a greater good for all.
The Essay on Social Contract Reason State Law
... not upon feelings or intuition. When men leave their state of nature and conform to society and the government, they give up their right ... is actually enhanced by the merging of natural law (fundamental law) and positive law (the law of the majority of others). John Locke ... their citizens out of the state of nature. Societies, in fact, are in a form of the state of nature, themselves, so people don't ...
Through the use of the state of nature, Locke details the various conditions of human nature that lead men to migrate towards some form of government. It is shown that without executive power, men are left to interpret and execute the laws of nature on their own. Unfortunately, individuals will interpret these laws in a self serving way and will execute them based on their strength relative to those around them. This leads to inequality. This lack of equality leads to inevitable chaos. To avoid this chaos it seems only natural for man to form a government in which equality seems more probable. In doing so, it is more feasible that man will have the desire to work hard and be more industrious knowing the fruits of his labor will be protected by his government.
