Natural Rights

Definition

Natural rights are fundamental human rights that individuals possess inherently, simply by being human. These rights include life, liberty, and property, and are believed to be universal and inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or denied. The concept of natural rights played a pivotal role in shaping modern political thought and inspired revolutionary movements advocating for individual freedom and equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural rights were prominently articulated by philosophers such as John Locke, who argued that these rights are essential to human existence and must be protected by government.
2. The Declaration of Independence in the United States explicitly references natural rights, stating that all men are created equal with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
3. The notion of natural rights was a direct challenge to monarchies, asserting that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed rather than divine right.
4. Natural rights influenced revolutionary movements globally, including the French Revolution, where citizens demanded equality and freedom based on these principles.
5. The concept has evolved but remains foundational in contemporary discussions about human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Review Questions

• How did the idea of natural rights influence revolutionary movements?
  • The idea of natural rights inspired revolutionary movements by providing a philosophical foundation for challenging oppressive governments. Philosophers like John Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights that governments must respect. This belief motivated people to seek independence from tyrannical rule, as seen in the American Revolution where colonists asserted their right to life and liberty against British oppression.
• In what ways did John Locke's theories on natural rights contribute to modern democratic thought?
  • John Locke's theories on natural rights contributed significantly to modern democratic thought by establishing the principles that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. His idea that governments should exist to protect these rights laid the groundwork for constitutional democracies. Locke's emphasis on the social contract also underscored the importance of consent in governance, making it a cornerstone of democratic ideals.
• Evaluate how the concept of natural rights has evolved from the Enlightenment period to contemporary discussions about human rights.
  • The concept of natural rights has evolved significantly from the Enlightenment period to contemporary discussions about human rights. Originally framed as universal entitlements necessary for individual freedom, it has expanded to encompass a broader range of social, economic, and cultural rights. Today, natural rights inform international human rights laws and conventions, reflecting a growing understanding that all individuals deserve dignity and equality regardless of their circumstances.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theory that posits individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a government that will protect their natural rights in exchange for some of their freedoms.

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, laying the groundwork for modern concepts of democracy and human rights.

John Locke: An English philosopher whose ideas on natural rights and the social contract heavily influenced political theory and were foundational for the development of republican nationalism.