John Locke's Theories Of A Just Society

John Locke’s theories of a just society was one where all men deserved equal treatment under the law and the state, preserving a person’s right to “life, liberty and property” (APUS, 1). This is accomplished through a social contract, where the people would consent to limited control under a state. This control was limited in its scope, with the people being the true source of power within the state. Locke believed that this was possible because he viewed man as being morally good and that through reason, man was capable of making the best decisions for themselves and a society. The state then, would only be needed in limited circumstances, as Locke believed that laws that do not protect man, will disappear due to man ignoring them (Uzgalis, 1). This structure of government that Locke presents, focusses on the people as the core of the society, relying on their moral reason to make the appropriate decisions that will benefit both themselves and society (Uzgalis, 1). This theory and the application of moral reason by the people was not a new idea, but an evolved theory that began with the ancient Greeks.
Aristotle first discussed moral reason when he challenged the theories of Plato, who believed that reason was realized at
The people were the basis of power for the state, and could act to force change on the government if the social contract was not being upheld (APUS, 1). This social contract differed in terms between Locke and Aristotle, but they were similar in content, protection of liberty and from harm. These are fundamental rights that cannot be taken away or suppressed, if they are, the people had the duty to force change on the state. The people then were the central focus to both men, and had a responsibility to both themselves and to the society to make the best decisions, based on their moral reason and the assessment of their