Question.1905 - Reading assignment A+ Due No Due Date Points 0 Using the Link to John Locke,read the following sections. You will need to go to table of contents to find the sections. Table of contents can be found in left hand corner. Of civil government CH 11 State of Nature CH 111 State of war CH VII Of political Society CH VIIIOf the Beginning of political societies CH IX Of the Ends of Political Society and Government
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Reading Assignment State of Nature Locke has mentioned about the state of nature, which depicts a scenario where individuals coexist without a common superior to arbitrate disputes among them. This state involves interactions and negotiations among individuals through logical reasons and rationale, which allows them to reach constructive solutions to the issues they face. Moreover, people are also expected to respect the laws of nature so that discipline can be maintained and the chances of conflicts arising can be minimized. Within this state, individuals enjoy perfect freedom to act according to their judgment, which motivates them towards maintaining and contribute to a harmonious situation. In this state, individuals are bound only by the laws of nature which prohibit harming oneself or others. They perceive being guilty if they even unknowingly harm others in any way. People develop a sense of trust and faith towards each other, which in turn largely supports creating a better society. Locke highlights that this condition is not bound by time or place but rather characterizes the relationship between individuals (Locke, 1986). State of War Locke defines the state of war as any instance where the laws of nature are violated, irrespective of the presence of a common judge. This violation of laws of nature can be because of any reason including personal gains, accidental, or the habitual nature of the individuals. This violation could entail a threat to the life or property of individuals, which in turn creates the chances of conflict. The victim might demand remedies while the offender might deny the offense so that their respective interests are protected. Nevertheless, in this state, the victim individuals are entitled to defend themselves against those who seek to harm their freedoms and other aspects. The protection and assurance they receive allow them to dwell in society freely. The state of war can persist until the aggressor offers peace and seeks reconciliation, a resolution often elusive in the absence of a common authority. Thus, the state of war largely depends on the attitude of the aggressor and the proactive approach of the defender (Zinaich, n.d.). Of Political Society Political society emerges when individuals unite and surrender their executive power over the laws of nature to a common authority, effectively establishing a civil society so that the common authority would take responsibility and accountability in protecting the rights of individuals. This transition is marked by a collective agreement to abide by the decisions made by the majority so that the interests of all the individuals are assured even if they belong to the minority group. Thus, it allows the introduction of governance for the common good, and a better society can be developed. In this society, a common judge is empowered to make laws and enforce them so that discipline in society can be maintained. It is to ensure that the actions of any individual do not harm others although they have the right to act freely. It is for ensuring the preservation of property and defense against external threats for every individual in society. The political society ensures that if an individual commits an offense he/she gets punishment in the form of a remedy and he/she does not repeat the same in the future (Locke, 2003). Of the Beginning of Political Societies The genesis of political societies occurs when individuals recognize the limitations of the state of nature and the perpetual state of war it engenders, which allows the mutual consent among individuals to form a collective body politic so that the issues and conflicts can be resolved in a disciplined manner. This consent, according to Locke, marks the transition from the precarious equilibrium of the state of nature to the stability offered by civil society. Before the beginning of political societies, there had been possibilities many individuals might not follow the state of nature so they could reap personal benefits, which in turn creates the chances of conflicts and chaos within the society, thereby threatening social progress. Nevertheless, through this consent, individuals confer authority to the majority to enact laws and maintain order within the society so that the rights and interests of all individuals are protected. It largely supports mitigating the uncertainty prevalent in the state of nature and people expect to live a safe and secure life to some extent (Locke, 2003). Of the Ends of Political Society and Government The primary aim of political society and government, as posited by Locke, is the preservation of property and the common good of all people irrespective of their demographic attributes. Individuals seek to secure their property and ensure the peaceful coexistence of society by relinquishing some individual freedoms to the collective authority, which is largely because of the greater priority towards safety and security. However, Locke also emphasizes the necessity of limiting governmental power, advocating for equality in the application of laws, governance for the public good, as well as constraints on taxation and legislative authority. Limiting governmental power is necessary to ensure that individual freedom is not excessively compromised by some of the government authorities. Thus, it is important to maintain a balance between governmental power and individual liberties so that a better society can be developed. Ultimately, civil society is envisioned as a means to safeguard individual liberties and promote the well-being of the community (Locke, 1980). References Locke, J. (1980). Of political or civil society. The Second Treatise on Government, 1-7. Locke, J. (1986). Of the State of Nature. Second Treatise of Civil Government. Locke, J. (2003). Lo>Zinaich, S. (n.d.). John Locke on war. Symphony of Reason, 13-17.More Articles From Political Science
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