Natural Rights

Definition

Natural rights are fundamental human rights that are believed to be inherent to all individuals, regardless of laws or customs. They are often associated with the idea that individuals possess certain inalienable rights simply by being human, which includes the rights to life, liberty, and property. This concept is central to discussions about the state of nature and social contract theory, influencing political thought and governance structures throughout history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural rights were famously articulated by John Locke, who argued that these rights are granted by nature and should not be violated by governments.
2. Locke believed that the primary purpose of government is to protect natural rights, which leads to the formation of a social contract between the rulers and the governed.
3. The concept of natural rights played a significant role during the Enlightenment, influencing revolutions such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution.
4. Classical liberal thought emerged from ideas about natural rights, advocating for individual freedoms and limited government intervention in personal lives.
5. Critics like Edmund Burke argued against the abstract application of natural rights in revolutionary contexts, cautioning that they could lead to chaos and undermine established traditions.

Review Questions

• How do natural rights relate to the concepts of the state of nature and social contract theory?
  • Natural rights are foundational to understanding the state of nature and social contract theory because they illustrate what individuals possess before any governmental structure is formed. In the state of nature, individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. Social contract theory emerges as a means for individuals to collectively agree on governance that protects these natural rights, highlighting the transition from natural freedom to structured societal rules.
• Discuss how Locke’s theory of natural rights influenced modern political structures and limited government.
  • Locke’s theory of natural rights laid the groundwork for modern political structures by establishing that legitimate governments must protect individuals' natural rights. This principle led to the concept of limited government, where power is constrained by law to avoid infringing on personal liberties. Locke's ideas inspired foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed while safeguarding their inherent rights.
• Evaluate Burke's critique of the application of natural rights during the French Revolution and its implications for political philosophy.
  • Burke critiqued the application of natural rights during the French Revolution by arguing that their abstract nature could lead to societal upheaval and chaos. He believed that relying solely on theoretical notions of equality and liberty without regard for historical context and tradition undermines social stability. Burke's perspective serves as a warning against radicalism in political philosophy, suggesting that while natural rights are important, they must be balanced with respect for established institutions and practices.

Related terms

Social Contract Theory: A philosophical model that posits that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some freedoms to a governing body in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Limited Government:

A political system in which the powers of the government are restricted by law, typically through a constitution, to protect individual rights.

Civil Disobedience: The active refusal to obey certain laws or demands of a government as a form of nonviolent protest against policies perceived as unjust.