John Locke says Divine right is wrong!
The divine right was an ancient idea that began with Europe's medieval kings. They claimed that they had been chosen by God and were his representatives on Earth. These kings had absolute power and could do as they liked.
Locke believed that all learning comes through the senses instead of reason. Reason is only a way of organizing the information that your senses give you. Locke believed that no one knows anything at birth, because "the mind is a blank piece of paper." ---a blank slate, "tabula rasa."
Locke was very important to the writers of the American Declaration of Independence and Constitution. They borrow some of his ideas and expanded on them. For example, Locke said that all people had these basic rights: the right to life, to own property, and to revolt against unjust governments. Locke called these rights, "natural," or "inalienable" rights.
Locke was very important to the writers of the American Declaration of Independence and Constitution. They borrow some of his ideas and expanded on them. For example, Locke said that all people had these basic rights: the right to life, to own property, and to revolt against unjust governments. Locke called these rights, "natural," or "inalienable" rights.
Life refers to the fact that people want to live and will fight to survive.
Liberty means that people want to be as free as possible to make their own decisions.
Property represents the fact that people want to own things that help them survive, such as land, food, and tools.
Locke believed these rights aren't given to people---people are naturally born with them.
Locke believed the role of the government was to protect these natural rights. He believed the government should have a social contract with it's citizens. The citizens agree to give up some freedoms, if the government agrees to protect everyone's rights. If the government fails, Locke says it is ok to revolt!
Liberty means that people want to be as free as possible to make their own decisions.
Property represents the fact that people want to own things that help them survive, such as land, food, and tools.
Locke believed these rights aren't given to people---people are naturally born with them.
Locke believed the role of the government was to protect these natural rights. He believed the government should have a social contract with it's citizens. The citizens agree to give up some freedoms, if the government agrees to protect everyone's rights. If the government fails, Locke says it is ok to revolt!