John Locke & Natural Rights Theory

Discusses the theories of English political philosopher John Locke

1. John Locke
Natural Rights theory

2. Natural Rights Theory
Is based on imagining what life would be
like if there were no government.
State of Nature: a condition in which
there is no government

3. Questions that arose due to
natural rights
What is human nature? What traits do all
humans have in common?
What should be the purpose of gov’t?
How do people who run gov’t get the right to
govern?
How should gov’t be organized?
What kinds of gov’t should be respected,
supported, resisted, and fought?

4. What are your natural rights?
All people have the right to:
LIFE
LIBERTY
PROPERTY
According to Locke…

5. GROUP ACTIVITY:
You will work with the people next to
you, forming groups of 3 or 4.
Answer the six questions on one side
We will present these to the class, be
prepared to share your answers!

6. Before the Questions
What will you call your island?
How about a flag, motto, other
symbols???

7. Island Questions:
1. Upon arrival would there be any
government or laws to control how you lived,
what rights or freedoms you exercised, or what
property you had? Why?
2. Would anyone have the right to govern
you? Would you have the right to govern
anyone else? Why?

8. Questions con’t.
3. Would you have any rights? What would
they be?
4. What might people who were stronger or
smarter than others try to do? Why?
5. What might the weaker or less
sophisticated people try to do? Why?
6. What might life be like for everyone?