In John Locke's state of nature, which description best fits?

• A. A society with rulers but no laws
• B. A system of perpetual war
• C. A condition of natural freedom and equality without political authority
• D. A government with a social contract in place

Answer: (C)

Locke imagines the state of nature as a condition of natural freedom and equality without political authority. People are free to conduct themselves according to reason and the law of nature, and they have rights to life, liberty, and property. There is no government or established rules imposed by rulers, but everyone is still bound by natural law to respect others’ rights. This isn’t a society with rulers but no laws, because natural law still governs conduct, and it’s not a system of perpetual war; conflicts can occur, but the state of nature isn’t inherently a war of all against all. It isn’t a government with a social contract already in place—the social contract and the creation of political authority arise to escape the inconveniences of living without an impartial authority. So the best description is a condition of natural freedom and equality without political authority.