question archive Locke's purpose in examining the "state of nature" is: a) to show how primitive human beings lived before they formed societies
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Locke's purpose in examining the "state of nature" is:
a) to show how primitive human beings lived before they formed societies.
b) to determine the natural rights of human beings and, thereby, the legitimate extent of political power.
c) to show that all governments represent at least marginal improvements to the state of nature.
d) to show why the state of nature is inadequate for determining what our fundamental rights should be.
e) to show that the right to property obtains in the state of nature but not in civil society.
Answer:
b) to determine the natural rights of human beings and, thereby, the legitimate extent of political power.
In regards to Locke's state of nature, he upholds that the role of the government is to safeguard the natural rights (liberty rights) that a citizen cannot effectively safeguard in a state of nature. Specifically, the state is accountable for protecting the natural rights including the right to life, liberty, and property in a state of nature. Hence, the natural law must recognize the liberty rights to address the insecurity that might arise during the enforcement of these rights.