What is freedom? Although there are many different definitions of freedom the main idea of freedom is to possess the ability to do as one pleases and to think and speak as one would like. The state of nature, according to John Locke, is the state of perfect freedom and equality within the law of nature. The law of nature states that all being equal and independent no one ought to harm another in life, health, liberty, or property. Every man is born into the state of nature and then has the choice to either remain in that state or to join a society. If he was to decide to join a society he is then bound by the rules of that society. This seems like it would then limit the holistic and perfect freedom he possessed in the state of nature, but
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The citizens of a society increase their personal freedom by following their human nature, and by gaining protection of their property and themselves. In this way citizens of a society possess more freedom then people who live in the state of nature. By following their human nature, citizens of a society increase their personal freedom. Locke states, “God having made man such a creature, that in his own judgment, it was not good for him to be alone, put him under strong obligations of necessity, convenience, and inclination to drive him into society.” (Locke 42). Locke writes of the want to be with other people as part of human nature. This naturally leads people to want to form a society or community with set moral boundaries and laws to follow. By being around and working with other people, citizens of that society are able to expand their potential. They are able to use their minds and bodies and work together to create a productive and innovative society. It is hard for one person to discover and innovate on their own. In a society with laws and moral boundaries that everyone must abide by people are able to work together …show more content…
Locke states, “The great end of men’s entering into society, being the enjoyment of their properties in peace and safety, and the great instrument and means of that being the laws established in that society.” (Locke 69). Locke writes that one of the main reasons for entering into society is for the protection of one’s property. Where there are laws there is usually order and a form of justice. In a society where everyone is bound to follow the same laws and be given the same punishment, one’s property is protected from things such as burglary and the destruction of one’s property. In the state of nature, one is not able to control what others do. Although the law of nature does state that one is not allowed to harm another in his property people still go against this law and commit the offense anyway. Since there is no higher power to appeal to in the state of nature except for an appeal to heaven, people are not punished for crimes they commit against another’s property. The person who was offended can hunt down and kill the person who offended him, but gaining back what one lost would be a lot harder on one’s own then in a society with a judge. In a society one whose property has been harmed is able to appeal to a judge and hopefully regain what was lost. In this way their own personal freedom is increased since they possess protection over their
The citizens of a society increase their personal freedom by following their human nature, and by gaining protection of their property and themselves. In this way citizens of a society possess more freedom then people who live in the state of nature. By following their human nature, citizens of a society increase their personal freedom. Locke states, “God having made man such a creature, that in his own judgment, it was not good for him to be alone, put him under strong obligations of necessity, convenience, and inclination to drive him into society.” (Locke 42). Locke writes of the want to be with other people as part of human nature. This naturally leads people to want to form a society or community with set moral boundaries and laws to follow. By being around and working with other people, citizens of that society are able to expand their potential. They are able to use their minds and bodies and work together to create a productive and innovative society. It is hard for one person to discover and innovate on their own. In a society with laws and moral boundaries that everyone must abide by people are able to work together …show more content…
Locke states, “The great end of men’s entering into society, being the enjoyment of their properties in peace and safety, and the great instrument and means of that being the laws established in that society.” (Locke 69). Locke writes that one of the main reasons for entering into society is for the protection of one’s property. Where there are laws there is usually order and a form of justice. In a society where everyone is bound to follow the same laws and be given the same punishment, one’s property is protected from things such as burglary and the destruction of one’s property. In the state of nature, one is not able to control what others do. Although the law of nature does state that one is not allowed to harm another in his property people still go against this law and commit the offense anyway. Since there is no higher power to appeal to in the state of nature except for an appeal to heaven, people are not punished for crimes they commit against another’s property. The person who was offended can hunt down and kill the person who offended him, but gaining back what one lost would be a lot harder on one’s own then in a society with a judge. In a society one whose property has been harmed is able to appeal to a judge and hopefully regain what was lost. In this way their own personal freedom is increased since they possess protection over their