John Locke’s Natural Rights Theory: Life, Liberty, and Property
John Locke’s Theory of Natural Rights
Introduction
John Locke’s most significant contribution to political philosophy is his theory of natural rights, as presented in his work Two Treatises of Government (1690). He posited that all humans possess certain fundamental rights from birth: the Right to Life, Liberty, and Property. Locke believed these rights to be inherent and God-given, independent of government. He asserted that the primary function of the state is to protect these rights. If the government infringes upon them, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.
Brief Introduction of John Locke
John Locke was born on August 29, 1632, in Wrington, England. His father was a lawyer and a captain in the army. After studying at Oxford, Locke taught Greek and philosophy but developed a keen interest in medicine. In 1667, he became the personal physician and secretary to Lord Ashley, which allowed him to gain insights into British politics. Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, William of Orange appointed him to a government position. Locke passed away in 1704.
Meaning of Natural Rights
Natural Rights are fundamental rights that every person automatically receives from birth. These primarily include the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are considered God-given, and their protection is the state’s main responsibility.
- According to John Locke: “Rights are naturally inborn in humans, and these rights are ‘Natural’.”
Critical Examination and Evaluation of John Locke’s Theory of Natural Rights
John Locke’s Theory of Natural Rights
- According to John Locke, natural rights are fundamental rights that a person has from birth, such as the right to life, liberty, and property.
- Locke believed that humans are naturally rational, moral, and social beings. He envisioned a natural state where all people live in peace and cooperation.
- In this state, rights are granted by natural law. According to Locke, humans had natural rights even before the formation of the state, and the state’s purpose was to secure these rights.
Natural Rights According to John Locke
- Right to Life: According to John Locke, the right to life is a natural right that grants every person the right to self-defense. A person must strive to protect their life and can neither end it nor allow anyone else to do so. This right stems from natural law, which gives us the responsibility to protect each other. The right to life is the most basic human instinct.
- Right to Liberty: According to John Locke, all human beings are equal and free because they are creations of the same creator. This freedom exists within the limits of natural law, meaning a person is not subject to anyone else. Freedom is not arbitrariness but the freedom to act within moral limits. It implies that a person has the freedom to seek and maintain the means of their life. The right to liberty is derived from the equality of God’s creations.
- Right to Property: John Locke considered the right to property an essential natural right. He argued that the right to property is even more significant than the rights to life and liberty. He explained that a person’s body is their primary property, and when they mix their physical labor with other natural resources, they become the owner of those resources.
There are Two Forms of Property
- Natural Property: This property is collectively owned by all humans, and everyone has an equal right to it. It includes land and other natural resources.
- Private Property: When an individual combines their labor with natural resources and utilizes them, those resources become their private property. According to Locke, an individual has the right to acquire property, but this right is limited. They can use resources only if they leave “enough and as good” for others and do not waste them.
Criticisms of John Locke’s Theory of Natural Rights
- Source of Rights: According to John Locke, the source of rights is nature, but this argument contradicts history and common sense. Rights originate from society, and the state is necessary to protect them.
- Less Emphasis on the Right to Life and Liberty: John Locke discussed the right to property in detail but paid less attention to the right to life and liberty.
- Contradiction in Natural Rights: John Locke considered natural rights to be inborn, but there is a contradiction in making labor the basis of the right to property. If these rights are natural, why is there a need for acquisition?
- Support for Capitalism: John Locke stated, “The grass my horse ate, my servant cut, and I harvested; it is my property.” This shows that his theory supports capitalism and promotes inequality among workers.
- Lack of Equality: John Locke emphasized liberty but did not focus on equality. In the modern age, liberty is incomplete without equality.
- Limited Scope of Rights: Locke’s theory has a limited scope of rights. In the modern era, rights related to education, religion, and culture are also important, which Locke did not include.
- No Clear Mention of Inheritance: John Locke did not explicitly mention the rule of inheritance without labor, which is a flaw in his theory.
- No Solution to Economic Inequality: John Locke addressed economic inequality but did not provide any solutions for it. He also remained silent on the process of property confiscation.
Conclusion
John Locke’s theory of natural rights lays down the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom. Although it has its critical aspects, such as its disregard for equality and economic inequality, it still presents a strong philosophy for protecting individual freedom and rights.