Ethical Rationalism (5)

1
Ethical Rationalism (5)

• Rationalist elements in Locke's political
  philosophy

2
Rationalism since Plato

• dominant approach until 17th century
• classical doctrine of natural law (Aquinas in
  13th century)
• Lockes political philosophy (1690)

3
Tenets of classical natural law

• Eternal law--ideal known by God
• Gives everything an essential purpose
• Essential purpose of humans is to live by reason
• Natural law part of eternal law accessible to
  human reason
• Fundamental ethical principles given by natural
  law

4
Lockes state of nature

• A condition without political institutions
• A condition subject to moral principles
• These given by natural law and knowable by human
  reason

5
Morality in state of nature

• Freedom and equality
• Property in ones own person (self-ownership)
• Liberty not license
• Rules of property acquisition

6
Property rights

• Derived from self-ownership
• Qualified right to what you mix your labor with
• Transfers by mutual consent

7
Proviso on original acquisition

• Take only what you can use without spoilage
• Leave enough and as good for others
• Money makes a difference
• Explicit consent not required

8
A role for compensation?
9
Political institutions

• Arise out of a contract among property owners
• Protection and enforcement of property rights the
  sole legitimate function of government
• Participation rights depend on property ownership
• Voting
• Representation