Question

What is the central idea of John Locke's concept of natural equality?

a) Equality is determined by one's wealth and power.
b) Equality is inherent in the State of Nature, where no one has more power or jurisdiction than another.
c) Equality is based on religious beliefs and divine principles.
d) Equality is achievable only through civil society and its institutions.

Answer 1

John Locke's concept of natural equality suggests that people are born with fundamental rights to life, liberty, and property, leading them to establish a civil society to protect these inalienable rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of John Locke's concept of natural equality is that all individuals are inherently equal in terms of their rights to life, liberty, and property. In his Second Treatise of Government, Locke articulates a vision of a state of nature where individuals function under a system of natural law, which ensures equality and the freedom to pursue personal interests. Individuals naturally enter a social contract to form a civil society to safeguard these rights formally through an impartial legal and governmental system.

This societal structure provides the conditions under which the inalienable rights of individuals, as well as property, can be protected and defended. Though Locke envisioned a natural state of freedom and equality, actual historical applications often fell short, as evident in the paradox of his contemporaries supporting colonialism and slavery.