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John Locke Questions
John Locke Questions

1. John Locke describes the “state of nature” as a sort of equality between men. No man has any rights over the other, and they can be free in doing what they want. All being able to use the same faculties. Locke also explains that although they are free it does not give them the right to hurt one another because the “natural law” still exists even through the “state of nature”. Locke defines the state of nature as political power. This “state of nature” is basically where humans can exist without a government or social contract. And that people would follow this “law of nature” and would protect it against anyone who did not follow it. “The execution of the law of Nature is in that state put into every man’s hands, whereby everyone has a right to punish the transgressors of that law to such a degree as may hinder its violation.” Locke also mentions that eventually people would try to form a government to try to protect their rights further. The “state of nature” is more of a thought rather than something that actually happened in history.

2. John Locke explains that the reason why people leave this “state of nature” is because this “paradise” is uncertain and insecure. There is no guarantee that people will always go along with the “laws of nature” and everyone will think of others as equals. So it makes it harder for individuals to enjoy this “paradise” because they fear something might go wrong so they want to quit and become part of a political society where someone can tell them what to do with there freedom. This feeling is because of the “mutual preservation” of their lives, estates, liberties and a big part, property. Men want to join a government to protect their properties; it says that they would want a known law that is a standard for right and wrong. Also another issue with the “laws of nature” is the judging system it would cause a lot of anarchy within the people because if everything was so “equal” then wouldn’t you be equal

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