John Locke's Theory of Natural Rights

John Locke was an English philosopher and physician who is widely regarded as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers. He is best known for his political philosophy, which emphasized the importance of natural rights, limited government, and the social contract.

According to Locke, natural rights are those rights that are inherent in human beings, and which cannot be taken away by any government or authority. These rights are based on the principles of reason and natural law, and they are essential for the preservation of individual freedom and the establishment of a just society.

The Three Natural Rights

Locke identified three natural rights that he believed were essential for the preservation of individual freedom and the establishment of a just society. These rights are:

1. Liberty – the right to live freely according to one's own will, without interference from others or from the government.

2. Property – the right to own and control one's own property, including one's own labor and the fruits of that labor.

3. Equality – the principle that all human beings are equal in their basic rights and dignity, and that no one should be discriminated against on the basis of race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic.

The Notion of Right to Vote is not a Natural Right

The right to vote is not considered a natural right by John Locke. This may seem surprising, given that we often think of voting as one of the most fundamental rights of citizenship in a democratic society. However, Locke's theory of natural rights is based on the idea that these rights are inherent in human beings, and are not dependent on any particular form of government or political system.

In other words, natural rights are those rights that we would have even if we lived in a state of nature, without any government or authority to enforce them. The right to vote, on the other hand, is a right that is granted by the government, and which can be taken away or restricted by that same government.

Therefore, while the right to vote is certainly an important right in a democratic society, it is not considered a natural right according to John Locke's theory.