★ John Locke (1632-1704)

• What is the social contract?


  People would give up some freedoms to the state in order to guarantee protection of some rights
• What is Locke’s view on human nature?

  Individuals are rational entities
• As rational beings, we fully acknowledge that our liberties are best protected via governance by the state (self interest)
• According to Locke, consent may be provided on a formal basis via an election or on an informal setting as a consequence of tacit consent
• In a liberal democratic regime, government seeks a mandate from the people during a nationwide election. It is said to be legitimate on this basis
• The state is obliged to protect its citizens while we in turn must accept the laws of the land
• If the state were to act in violation of the contract, the people are entitled to withdraw their consent
• Locke firmly rejects the anarchist perspective as he believes a state is needed to protect our freedom
• Locke rejects the ’divine right to govern‘