John Locke

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John Locke
John Locke (1632-1704) Philosopher.
Locke advocated the idea of religious freedom and the idea that people should not be punished for having different views of religion. Locke believed that all sides had the right to be heard. Moreover, he felt that all conflicts could be solved if the two groups could settle their differences by seeking a middle ground and compromise.
Throughout his writings, Locke argued that people had the gift of reason, or the ability to think. Locke thought they had the natural ability to govern themselves and to look after the well being of society.
He wrote, "The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which [treats] everyone [equally].
Reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind... that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health or possessions."
Locke did not believe that God had chosen a group or family of people to rule countries. He rejected the "Divine Right" which many kings and queens used to justify their right to rule. Instead, he argued that governments should operate only with the consent of the people they are governing. In this way,
Locke supported democracy as a form of government. Locke wrote, "[We have learned from] history we have reason to conclude that all peaceful beginnings of government have been laid in the consent of the people." Governments were formed, according to Locke, to protect the right to life, the right to freedom, and the right to property. These rights were absolute, belonging to all the people. Locke also believed that government power should be divided equally into three branches of government so that politicians will not face the "temptation... to grasp at [absolute] power." If any government abused these rights instead of protecting them, then the people had the right to rebel and form a new government. John Locke spoke out against the control of any man against his will. This control was acceptable neither in the form of an unfair government, nor in slavery. In striking similarity to the EthicalTheory developed by