What does Locke mean by Natural Law & Natural Rights

Perhaps the most central concept in Locke's political philosophy is his theory of natural law and natural rights. The natural law concept existed long before Locke as a way of expressing the idea that there were certain moral truths that applied to all people, regardless of the particular place where they lived or the agreements they had made. The most important early contrast was between laws that were by nature, and thus generally applicable, and those that were conventional and operated only in those places where the particular convention had been established. This distinction is sometimes formulated as the difference between natural law and positive law. Natural law is also distinct from divine law in that the latter, in the Christian tradition, normally referred to those laws that God had directly revealed through prophets and other inspired writers. Natural law can be discovered by reason alone and applies to all people, while divine law can be discovered only through God's special revelation and applies only to those to whom it is revealed and who God specifically indicates are to be bound. In Locke's theory, divine law and natural law are consistent and can overlap in content, but they are not coextensive.

Answered by Asher K. Politics tutor

3892 Views

See similar Politics A Level tutors

Related Politics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Is perfect competition always a more desirable market structure than a monopoly?


Besides referendums, explain ways democracy in the UK could be improved and what are the arguments against them?


Can you explain the difference between positive and negative freedoms?


To what extent is there disagreement on how effectively the constitution protects freedom (US politics a level)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy