This document discusses John Locke's natural rights theory and introduces some key questions about natural rights and the state of nature. It explains that natural rights theory imagines life without government, in a state of nature, and that according to Locke all people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. The document then instructs students to work in groups to answer questions about natural rights and how people might organize themselves if starting a new society on an uninhabited island.

1. John Locke
Natural Rights theory

2. Natural Rights Theory
Is based on imagining what life would be
like if there were no government.
State of Nature: a condition in which
there is no government

3. Questions that arose due to
natural rights
 What is human nature? What traits do all
humans have in common?
 What should be the purpose of gov’t?
 How do people who run gov’t get the right to
govern?
 How should gov’t be organized?
 What kinds of gov’t should be respected,
supported, resisted, and fought?

4. What are your natural rights?
All people have the right to:
LIFE
LIBERTY
PROPERTY
According to Locke…

5. GROUP ACTIVITY:
You will work with the people next to
you, forming groups of 3 or 4.
 Answer the six questions on one side
 We will present these to the class, be
prepared to share your answers!

6. Before the Questions
What will you call your island?
How about a flag, motto, other
symbols???

7. Island Questions:
 1. Upon arrival would there be any
government or laws to control how you lived,
what rights or freedoms you exercised, or what
property you had? Why?
 2. Would anyone have the right to govern
you? Would you have the right to govern
anyone else? Why?

8. Questions con’t.
 3. Would you have any rights? What would
they be?
 4. What might people who were stronger or
smarter than others try to do? Why?
 5. What might the weaker or less
sophisticated people try to do? Why?
 6. What might life be like for everyone?