Natural rights

Definition

Natural rights are fundamental human rights that individuals possess by virtue of being human, independent of any laws or government. These rights are often viewed as universal and inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or surrendered. The concept of natural rights has deep roots in philosophical thought and has been central to discussions around social justice and human rights, especially in advocating for equality and fairness across different societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural rights are often summarized as life, liberty, and property, which serve as the basis for many democratic societies.
2. The concept emerged during the Enlightenment period, influencing revolutions such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution.
3. Natural rights are considered inalienable; they cannot be surrendered or transferred, emphasizing their inherent nature.
4. Philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau contributed to the discussion about natural rights by proposing different views on human nature and governance.
5. The recognition of natural rights has led to significant legal frameworks aimed at protecting individual freedoms and social justice across various nations.

Review Questions

• How do natural rights influence modern political theories regarding governance and individual freedoms?
  • Natural rights play a crucial role in shaping modern political theories by establishing the idea that individuals have inherent rights that must be protected by governments. This influences concepts like democracy and liberalism, where the protection of these rights is seen as a fundamental duty of the state. As a result, many contemporary political systems are built on the premise that individual freedoms should be upheld above governmental authority.
• Discuss how the social contract theory relates to the concept of natural rights and its implications for government authority.
  • The social contract theory asserts that individuals agree to form governments to protect their natural rights. This implies that governmental authority is legitimate only if it safeguards those rights; if a government fails in this duty, citizens have the right to alter or abolish it. Thus, natural rights provide a moral foundation for questioning governmental power and advocating for social justice when those rights are threatened.
• Evaluate the impact of natural rights on global human rights movements throughout history.
  • Natural rights have significantly influenced global human rights movements by providing a framework for advocating equality and justice. Historical events such as the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, and civil rights movements have drawn upon the principles of natural rights to challenge injustices and demand equal treatment. The enduring appeal of these rights continues to inspire activists today as they seek to address contemporary issues of discrimination and inequality worldwide.

Related terms

John Locke:

An influential philosopher who argued that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments must protect these rights.

Social Contract: The theory that individuals consent to form governments to protect their natural rights, leading to an agreement between the governed and their rulers.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

A landmark document adopted by the United Nations in 1948 that outlines the fundamental rights entitled to all people, echoing the principles of natural rights.