In John Locke’s “An Essay Concerning the True Original, Extent and End of Civil Government” many interesting ideas regarding the relationship between the individual and society are developed. The assumption that Locke starts with as the first step into developing his argument, is that all men are born in “a state of perfect freedom to order their actions and dispose of their possessions and personas as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature” .
It is important to stress that although this stage is one of complete individual liberty, it is restricted regarding society as a whole. Ruled by the law of nature, an individual must seek his self preservation, avoiding however any kind of invasion to the rights of others. This is the key principle, according to Locke, that governs every reprimand or punishment that can be taken upon a transgressor. Empowering the individual to take drastic measures to ensure his individual rights, transgressions of such a nature......
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