John Locke
John Locke described the state of nature as a condition of peace, freedom, and equality, where people are governed by reason and the law of nature. He emphasized that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and are not subject to another’s will.
- undated “Men living together according to reason, without a common superiour on earth, with authority to judge between them, is properly the state of nature.”
- undated “A state of perfect freedom to order their actions and dispose of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature; without asking leave, or depending upon the will of any other man.”
The full record: ledger, contrary evidence, reasoning, sources
1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)
Record ledger
- BELIEF (undated): John Locke believed that the state of nature is a condition where men live together according to reason, without a common superior on earth with authority to judge between them. This is characterized by peace, goodwill, mutual assistance, and preservation. (key quote above)
- BELIEF (undated): John Locke believed that the state of nature is a state of perfect freedom and equality, where men have the right to order their actions and dispose of their possessions and persons within the bounds of the law of nature, without subordination or subjection to another person's will. (key quote above)
- BELIEF (undated): John Locke believed that the state of nature is a condition in which all individuals are free and equal, and governed by the law of nature. This belief is grounded in his argument that in the state of nature, people have a natural right to life, liberty, and property, and are bound only by the law of nature, which is reason and equality.
What cuts against it
Nothing in the passages cuts against the answer.
2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)
1. John Locke defined the state of nature as a condition where people live without a common superior to judge between them.
2. He described it as a state of peace, goodwill, mutual assistance, and preservation, governed by reason.
3. In this state, individuals are free and equal, with the right to order their actions and dispose of their possessions within the bounds of the law of nature.
4. The law of nature obliges everyone to preserve life, health, liberty, and possessions, and not to harm others.
5. This understanding is grounded in the belief that all people are equal and independent by nature.
3. HIS TAKE
Record coverage: DIRECT
Extrapolation: Locke's state of nature is a foundational concept in his political philosophy, emphasizing natural rights and the absence of centralized authority. It is not a state of chaos but one governed by reason and mutual respect.
Competing readings: None.
Confidence: High, based on direct statements from Locke's *Two Treatises of Government*.
- The Works of John Locke in Nine Volumes: The Works of John Locke, vol. 4 Economic Writings and Two Treatises of Government (The Works of John Locke in Nine Volumes, (London: Rivington, 1824 12th ed.). Vol. 4.), p. 349. Document: OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. / BOOK II. / CHAPTER I.. Date: undated. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: locke/works-of-john-vol-4-economic-writings-and-two-treatises-of-government/0014.12
- The Works of John Locke in Nine Volumes: The Works of John Locke, vol. 4 Economic Writings and Two Treatises of Government (The Works of John Locke in Nine Volumes, (London: Rivington, 1824 12th ed.). Vol. 4.), p. 340. Document: OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. / BOOK II. / CHAPTER I.. Date: undated. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: locke/works-of-john-vol-4-economic-writings-and-two-treatises-of-government/0014.01
- The Works of John Locke in Nine Volumes: The Works of John Locke, vol. 4 Economic Writings and Two Treatises of Government (The Works of John Locke in Nine Volumes, (London: Rivington, 1824 12th ed.). Vol. 4.). Document: BOOK II.. Date: undated. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: locke/works-of-john-vol-4-economic-writings-and-two-treatises-of-government/0016.00
Quote check: PASSED (2/2 quotations verified verbatim)