Social Contract
An agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be governed.
natural rights
the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property.
sovereign
a supreme ruler, especially a monarch.
state of nature
The basis of natural rights philosophy; a state of nature is the condition of people living in a situation without man-made government, rules, or laws.
life
People want to live and will fight to survive.
liberty
People want to be as free as possible to make their own decisions.
Property
People want to own things that help them survive, such as land, food, and tools.
John Locke
17th century English philosopher who opposed the Divine Right of Kings and who asserted that people have a natural right to life, liberty, and property.
Thomas Hobbes
English political philosopher who advocated absolute sovereignty as the only kind of government that could resolve problems caused by the selfishness of human beings.
Tabula Rasa
John Locke's concept of the mind as a blank sheet which will eventually be filled with experiences through the five senses.