Thinker
John Locke
3 key ideas, each explained in our own words.
Locke: Rights and Consent
- IDEA 1
Natural rights
Locke held that people have rights to life, liberty and property that exist before government. The state exists to protect them.
- IDEA 2
Government by consent
Legitimate authority comes from the consent of the governed. If a government abuses its trust, people may change it.
- IDEA 3
Toleration
He argued that the state should not force belief, because true faith cannot be compelled. An early case for religious freedom.
Debates featuring John Locke
Does India need stronger central control or more power to states?A strong centre vs Power closer to peopleHow much freedom should be given up for security?Order first vs Liberty firstShould citizens' duties matter as much as their rights?Rights are the core vs Duties sustain rightsIs judicial activism good for democracy?Courts protect citizens vs Courts overreachShould the state be able to access citizens' data for security?Security needs data vs Privacy is a rightShould the press be regulated?Self-regulation vs Accountability needed
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