The state of nature in John Locke’s theory explains the origin of political power. Its purpose is to describe the limits and justification of political authority. For Rousseau, the state of nature describes the origin of inequality among men. In Locke 's state of nature, men consent to surrender their freedom to the community. They do so to secure their property rights. Through this process, the state forms to serve as a protector of natural rights. This includes the protection of life, liberty, property, and the well-being. In Rousseau’s theory, the state unites the people under the “general will.” This is possible because in the state of nature men are free to form a civic (political) society. Despite their differences, Locke and Rousseau
…show more content…
The inexistence the government and the executive power of one to punish a violator are the causes of chaos. The government and the judges are not present in the society to enforce or execute the law of nature (Locke, Second Treatise, 499). In turn, no other body aside from the person can protect the natural rights. They then become their own judge and own executioner against the offender. This circumstance leads to the variety of interpretation of the law of nature. In consequence, confusion, disorder or chaos occurs. Insecurity of life and property becomes a reality. Locke suggests the civil government as a solution to this problem (500). Men form a community or a civil (political) society to secure natural rights. Here, a common law for all men prevails and impartial and authoritative judges exist. In total, the state develops because men enter into a contract in the state of nature. Rousseau explains the legitimacy of the government by using the concept general will. This represents the common good or common interests of the society. The government remains legitimate so far as it follows the general will of the …show more content…
Natural disasters force him to move out of the state of nature for the sake of self-preservation. It becomes necessary for him to make contact with another person. This forces him to adapt to his new environment and it shapes him (627). With this contact, he unites himself with others. They form a civil (political) society through a social-pact. This is so because the authority is only justified through consent. The man also retains the liberty it loses in entering the society by agreement. Rousseau claims men surrender their freedom and liberty (from the state of nature) to the community. Thus, the state becomes part of the being of that individual. The sovereign or the community that represents a government acts as a representative of peace and harmony. It unites them under the "general will" or the common interest of the people. Laws of the state represents the general will. The government upholds these laws. Finally, it only exists because of the consent of the
The inexistence the government and the executive power of one to punish a violator are the causes of chaos. The government and the judges are not present in the society to enforce or execute the law of nature (Locke, Second Treatise, 499). In turn, no other body aside from the person can protect the natural rights. They then become their own judge and own executioner against the offender. This circumstance leads to the variety of interpretation of the law of nature. In consequence, confusion, disorder or chaos occurs. Insecurity of life and property becomes a reality. Locke suggests the civil government as a solution to this problem (500). Men form a community or a civil (political) society to secure natural rights. Here, a common law for all men prevails and impartial and authoritative judges exist. In total, the state develops because men enter into a contract in the state of nature. Rousseau explains the legitimacy of the government by using the concept general will. This represents the common good or common interests of the society. The government remains legitimate so far as it follows the general will of the …show more content…
Natural disasters force him to move out of the state of nature for the sake of self-preservation. It becomes necessary for him to make contact with another person. This forces him to adapt to his new environment and it shapes him (627). With this contact, he unites himself with others. They form a civil (political) society through a social-pact. This is so because the authority is only justified through consent. The man also retains the liberty it loses in entering the society by agreement. Rousseau claims men surrender their freedom and liberty (from the state of nature) to the community. Thus, the state becomes part of the being of that individual. The sovereign or the community that represents a government acts as a representative of peace and harmony. It unites them under the "general will" or the common interest of the people. Laws of the state represents the general will. The government upholds these laws. Finally, it only exists because of the consent of the