From Natural Law To Right Of Revolution

In the early stage of Locke’s discussion regarding natural law,he emphasizes the role reason plays in understanding,while later he also pays attention to custom and revelation,which help common people to realize the requirements of natural law without reasoning.The basis of natural is neither consent nor utility.It is grounded on the relation between God and human being.The obligation to obey natural law is universal since everyone is equal as creature of God.However,people have different duties in civil society due to various social positions.Among all the requirements of natural law,to preserve human being is the most fundamental.It is natural for people to have other rights such as property and liberty as means of preservation.This also means one should not only preserve his own life,but ought to protect others as well.Otherwise,there would be dilemma in theory and disasters in practice.It follows that people give up the right to be judge and form a civil society with a common judge to protect all.As political society is formed,the executive power in political activities tends to extend in order to deal with some specific problems not articulated by common law.This is just and right only if it works for the public interest.When it goes beyond its boundaries and comes against the original purpose,universal fear and doubt arise among most people.Locke argues that,people have the right to resist by means of revolution.That’s how Locke justifies the right of revolution based on the natural law theory.It’s surprising that Locke and Aristotle have something in common regarding revolution,despite of the questions confronting each philosopher.They both warn the rulers not to be corrupted by temptation of power.The best way to avoid revolution is to restrain oneself from greed for the subject’s property.We may call what they have in common the calling of political philosophers.The differences show a contrast between ancient and modern philosophy,as well as between complicated elements in human nature.According to Locke,no one is entitled to rule another because of his virtues.The legitimate governing arises from the consent of people.