Natural Rights

Definition

Natural rights are fundamental human rights that individuals possess inherently, independent of any government or authority. These rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and they serve as a foundation for political philosophy and ethical standards, influencing key events and documents throughout history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of natural rights was heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, particularly John Locke, who argued that these rights are inherent and cannot be surrendered or taken away.
2. Natural rights were used as a justification for American colonists' resistance against British rule, emphasizing the right to self-governance and personal freedoms.
3. The Declaration of Independence famously states that all men are created equal and are endowed with unalienable rights, which highlights the core idea of natural rights.
4. Natural rights became a cornerstone of revolutionary thought, framing the struggle against oppression as a fight to protect these fundamental human freedoms.
5. The idea of natural rights significantly impacted other movements for freedom and democracy around the world, laying the groundwork for future revolutions and human rights advocacy.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment philosophers contribute to the development of the concept of natural rights and its significance in colonial America?
  • Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke played a pivotal role in shaping the concept of natural rights by arguing that individuals are inherently entitled to life, liberty, and property. This philosophy resonated with colonial Americans who felt their rights were being infringed upon by British policies. As a result, these ideas became central to the colonists' push for independence, framing their grievances in terms of protecting their natural rights.
• Discuss how natural rights were articulated in the Declaration of Independence and their role in justifying American independence.
  • In the Declaration of Independence, natural rights are articulated as unalienable rights that include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This assertion served not only to declare independence from Britain but also to assert a moral foundation for that independence. By claiming that government derives its power from the consent of the governed and exists to protect these natural rights, the document positioned the struggle for independence as both a political and ethical imperative.
• Evaluate how the principles of natural rights influenced revolutionary movements beyond America, shaping global attitudes toward democracy and human rights.
  • The principles of natural rights had a profound influence on revolutionary movements worldwide, including the French Revolution and various independence movements in Latin America and beyond. By promoting the idea that individuals possess inherent freedoms that governments must respect, these principles helped inspire demands for democracy and civil liberties globally. The universal appeal of natural rights has continued to shape human rights discourse, asserting that all individuals deserve protection from oppression irrespective of their background.

Related terms

Social Contract:

A philosophical concept suggesting that individuals agree to form a society and abide by its rules in exchange for protection of their natural rights.

John Locke:

An Enlightenment thinker whose ideas about natural rights greatly influenced the American Revolution and the development of democratic governance.

Consent of the Governed:

The principle that government legitimacy arises from the consent of the people, who grant authority to rulers while retaining their natural rights.