Final answer:
Jeremy Bentham believed rights were a creation of the state and rejected the idea of natural rights, in contrast to John Locke, who saw certain rights as inherent and independent of government. Bentham's view positioned the state as the sole creator and arbiter of rights, unlike Locke's belief in the preservation of inalienable natural rights by the state.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jeremy Bentham was a leading figure in the philosophy of utilitarianism, which focused on the consequences of actions, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number. Contrary to popular belief regarding the era's philosophers, Jeremy Bentham did not advocate for natural rights. Instead, he held the view that rights are a creation of the state and that the idea of natural rights is 'nonsense upon stilts'. In contrast, John Locke, another influential philosopher, fervently believed in natural rights, including the right to life, health, liberty, and possessions, which he considered intrinsic to human existence and independent of government and laws. Bentham's approach questions the legitimacy of natural rights without established laws and governance, while Locke's perspective emphasizes the fundamental and inalienable nature of these rights regardless of state intervention.
Bentham's View on Natural Rights and State's Role
Bentham's skepticism about natural rights was rooted in his belief that without a government, the concept of rights would lead to chaos and lawlessness. He argued that natural rights cannot exist independently of a legal framework provided by a state. His position stands in stark contrast to Locke's assertion that certain rights are inherent to human beings and are not granted by, nor should they be solely controlled by, the state.
Influence on Perceptions of the State
The differing views on natural rights between Bentham and Locke heavily influence their respective perceptions of the role of the state. While Locke viewed the state as an entity that should preserve natural rights, Bentham saw the state's role primarily as the creator and arbiter of rights through the establishment and enforcement of laws.