Which of the following best characterizes John Locke’s philosophy?
a. He believed that all people were born with a set of innate ideas.
b. He believed that human society was inherently unlawful.
c. He believed that slavery was against God’s laws.
d. He believed that human society was governed by natural laws.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Answer: d. He believed that human society was governed by natural laws.
John Locke was one of the most influential Enlightenment philosophers, and his ideas have shaped modern political theory and liberal democracy. Unlike proponents of innate ideas, Locke argued that the human mind is a “tabula rasa” – a blank slate on which experience writes. For Locke, knowledge and understanding arise from sensory experiences and reflection. However, what truly set his philosophy apart was his emphasis on natural law. He believed that natural law governs human society and that these laws are inherent, rational, and universally accessible. According to Locke, natural law provides the basis for moral principles and social order, and it underpins the rights and responsibilities of every individual.
In his seminal work, “Two Treatises of Government,” Locke argued that individuals possess natural rights such as life, liberty, and property. These rights are not granted by governments but are inherent to human beings by virtue of natural law. As such, any government that fails to respect or protect these natural rights loses its legitimacy, justifying the right of the people to rebel. Locke’s vision of society was one where laws and government were instruments to preserve natural rights rather than tools of oppression.
Moreover, Locke’s emphasis on natural law helped to establish the idea of a social contract, where individuals consent to form governments in order to safeguard their inherent rights. His philosophy laid the intellectual groundwork for later democratic movements and constitutional governments around the world. In summary, John Locke’s belief that human society is governed by natural laws best characterizes his philosophy, making option (d) the correct answer. His ideas continue to resonate today, forming the foundation of modern legal and political systems that prioritize individual freedom and rational governance. Locke’s influence endures in contemporary debates on democracy, rights, and the role of government, emphasizing universal principles consistently.
