HSY1511
SEMESTER 1
2024
ASSIGNMENT 2
, 1. Refer to Source A
1.1. What do you think John Locke means by natural rights?
In Source A, the term ‘natural rights’, which John Locke refers to, are those
rights that he believed individuals possess just because they are human,
regardless of any government or societal structure. These rights are considered
important and absolute, meaning they cannot be taken away or transferred.
Additional Information
Locke identifies three primary natural rights:
1. Life: The right to live and to pursue one's own survival and well-being without
unwarranted interference from others.
2. Liberty: The right to be free from arbitrary restraint and to exercise autonomy in
making choices and decisions, as long as those choices do not infringe upon the rights
of others.
3. Property: The right to acquire, possess, and use property as one sees fit, including
one's own body and the products of one's labour. Locke famously expanded the
concept of property beyond land and material possessions to include personal
freedoms and intellectual property.
These natural rights are integral to Locke's theory of government and the social contract.
He argues that individuals enter into civil society and form governments primarily to better
protect these natural rights. Therefore, any legitimate government must respect and uphold
these rights, and individuals have the right to resist or overthrow any government that fails
to do so.
In summary, natural rights, according to Locke, are inherent to human beings and include
the rights to life, liberty, and property. They form the foundation of his political
philosophy and serve as the basis for the relationship between individuals and government.
1.2. Explain the role of the civil state in society as outlined by John Locke.
SEMESTER 1
2024
ASSIGNMENT 2
, 1. Refer to Source A
1.1. What do you think John Locke means by natural rights?
In Source A, the term ‘natural rights’, which John Locke refers to, are those
rights that he believed individuals possess just because they are human,
regardless of any government or societal structure. These rights are considered
important and absolute, meaning they cannot be taken away or transferred.
Additional Information
Locke identifies three primary natural rights:
1. Life: The right to live and to pursue one's own survival and well-being without
unwarranted interference from others.
2. Liberty: The right to be free from arbitrary restraint and to exercise autonomy in
making choices and decisions, as long as those choices do not infringe upon the rights
of others.
3. Property: The right to acquire, possess, and use property as one sees fit, including
one's own body and the products of one's labour. Locke famously expanded the
concept of property beyond land and material possessions to include personal
freedoms and intellectual property.
These natural rights are integral to Locke's theory of government and the social contract.
He argues that individuals enter into civil society and form governments primarily to better
protect these natural rights. Therefore, any legitimate government must respect and uphold
these rights, and individuals have the right to resist or overthrow any government that fails
to do so.
In summary, natural rights, according to Locke, are inherent to human beings and include
the rights to life, liberty, and property. They form the foundation of his political
philosophy and serve as the basis for the relationship between individuals and government.
1.2. Explain the role of the civil state in society as outlined by John Locke.
