Natural rights

Definition

Natural rights are fundamental rights that every individual possesses by virtue of being human, regardless of laws or social constructs. These rights are often thought to be inherent and inalienable, meaning they cannot be surrendered or transferred. The concept of natural rights is closely linked to individual liberty and equality, forming a critical foundation for liberal political theory and influencing early feminist thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The idea of natural rights was popularized by philosophers such as John Locke, who argued that life, liberty, and property are essential rights every person is entitled to.
2. Mary Wollstonecraft argued for women's natural rights in her work 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman', claiming women should have the same rights as men.
3. Natural rights serve as a counter to tyranny by establishing that individuals have unalienable entitlements that must be respected by the state.
4. The Declaration of Independence in the United States cites natural rights as a justification for the colonies' separation from British rule, underscoring their significance in democratic thought.
5. Natural rights theory influenced early feminist thinkers who sought to extend these rights to women, challenging the existing societal norms that denied them equal status.

Review Questions

• How do natural rights relate to the arguments presented by Mary Wollstonecraft in her advocacy for women's rights?
  • Natural rights are foundational to Wollstonecraft's arguments as she emphasizes that women, like men, possess inherent rights simply by being human. In her landmark work 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman', she argues that denying women these natural rights is a form of injustice. Wollstonecraft insists that women should not only receive formal recognition of their natural rights but also be educated to exercise these rights fully.
• In what ways did the concept of natural rights influence the development of liberal feminism?
  • The concept of natural rights provided a philosophical basis for liberal feminism by asserting that all individuals inherently deserve certain freedoms and protections. This idea challenged societal norms that restricted women's roles and justified their exclusion from various aspects of public life. Liberal feminists utilize the framework of natural rights to advocate for legal reforms aimed at achieving gender equality and dismantling institutional barriers.
• Critically analyze how the historical context of natural rights contributed to early feminist movements and their goals.
  • Natural rights emerged during the Enlightenment, a time when philosophical thought began prioritizing individual liberty and equality. This environment inspired early feminist movements, as women began to question their subordinate status in society. By aligning their struggle with the principles of natural rights, early feminists sought not only recognition but also active participation in political life. The historical backdrop provided a compelling argument for advocating women's autonomy, which was pivotal in shaping their goals toward achieving equal treatment under the law and societal norms.

Related terms

social contract: A theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and abide by its rules in exchange for protection of their natural rights.

liberal feminism: A branch of feminism that advocates for women's rights through legal and political reform, emphasizing equal access to opportunities and rights within the framework of liberal democracy.

enlightenment: An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, significantly shaping modern concepts of rights and governance.