Natural rights

Definition

Natural rights are the fundamental human rights that every individual possesses simply by being human, often believed to be inherent and inalienable. These rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and they form the philosophical foundation for many Enlightenment thinkers who influenced American political thought. The concept asserts that individuals are entitled to these rights regardless of government or societal recognition, which became a rallying cry during revolutionary movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural rights were a central theme in Enlightenment philosophy, influencing thinkers like John Locke, who emphasized that these rights are inherent to every person.
2. The phrase 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' from the Declaration of Independence encapsulates the natural rights ideology and served as a key argument for independence from British rule.
3. Natural rights challenge the authority of governments that infringe upon individual freedoms, leading to the belief that people have a right to revolt against oppressive regimes.
4. These rights became foundational in shaping early American political philosophy, impacting documents like the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
5. The principle of natural rights continues to resonate today in discussions about human rights and social justice movements worldwide.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment philosophy shape the concept of natural rights and influence American literature?
  • Enlightenment philosophy emphasized reason, individualism, and the belief in inherent human dignity, which led to the development of natural rights as a fundamental concept. Thinkers like John Locke articulated that individuals possess natural rights that should be protected by government. This ideological framework became a cornerstone in American literature as writers began to explore themes of freedom, equality, and personal liberty, reflecting the spirit of revolution and self-governance.
• Analyze how Thomas Paine's writing utilized the concept of natural rights to persuade colonists during the American Revolution.
  • Thomas Paine's writing, particularly in 'Common Sense,' effectively used the idea of natural rights to argue against British rule. He asserted that all individuals possess these inherent rights, and any government violating them is illegitimate. By framing the struggle for independence as a fight for natural rights, Paine inspired many colonists to see their revolution not just as a political necessity but as a moral imperative to reclaim their God-given liberties.
• Evaluate how the Declaration of Independence encapsulates the principles of natural rights and its lasting impact on American political thought.
  • The Declaration of Independence articulates the core tenets of natural rights by asserting that all men are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights. By listing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as these fundamental rights, it laid the groundwork for American democracy and governance. The document's emphasis on individual liberties has continued to resonate throughout American history, influencing civil rights movements and shaping debates around personal freedoms, thereby solidifying its role as a pivotal text in political philosophy.

Related terms

Social Contract: An agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules in exchange for protection of their natural rights.

John Locke:

An influential Enlightenment philosopher who argued that natural rights are essential to human existence and that governments must protect these rights.

Consent of the Governed: The idea that a government's legitimacy comes from the consent of the people it governs, rooted in the protection of their natural rights.