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John Locke's Interpretation Of Freedom And Liberty

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Human rights are like armor: they protect you; they are like rules because they tell you how you can behave, and they are like judges because you can appeal to them. It should also be noted that Locke’s interpretation of freedom and liberty are directly associated with equality. Our understanding is a direct result of our personal experiences, and according to Locke, we should all have the freedom of our minds. Some of the apologists for slavery claimed that blacks were beasts, subhuman, or at least a degenerated form of the human species.

Those that are of another opinion would do well to consider with themselves how pernicious a seed of discord and war, how powerful a provocation to endless hatreds, rapines, and slaughters they thereby furnish to …show more content…

He was extremely critical of the fervent behavior of people concerning their religious beliefs, particularly of those with “intemperate zeal” (Locke, Toleration, 9) who would attempt to convert others to their faith. As Locke points out, this is even true among criminals, because society requires a certain level of predictability to function. In his own words, he worked to pour out a “scorching irony” to expose the evil of slavery (1852b, FDLW v.2: 192). The term ‘separation of Church and State’ was coined by Thomas Jefferson, who was greatly influenced by Locke’s writings. He sought to demonstrate that it was cruel, unnatural, ungodly, immoral, and unjust. God and the forward march of history, Douglass believed, would bring the realization of truth, justice, and the brotherhood of man. As such, equality is not just necessary for the establishment of government but is also a requisite in maintaining a safe and stable nation. Most importantly, upon entering society individuals are required to alienate a modicum of freedom and liberty, but full equality can (theoretically) never be compromised. This, of course, will impact the state and inevitably require a

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