John Locke The Role Of Society

The importance of both the role of state and society is made clear through the works of liberal thinkers, deeming these roles the most crucial elements in not only securing individual freedoms but also for future progression. Overtime, the interpretation of these roles differs in defining where the role of society and state take place and how each must contribute to each other or matters in which the state should or should not involve itself.

The concept of establishing and defining roles of both society and state can be seen in John Locke’s Treatise of Civil Government (1690). In his work, Locke introduces this concept by using the law of nature. The law of nature states men are in a natural state of freedom and equality. Additionally, the

In addition, he also expands on both the roles of state and society by the introduction of property rights and personal freedoms. Locke provides an explanation for man’s involvement in society. According to Locke, men enter society as means for not only protecting their property but also, for the preservation of the state. Upon entering society, men not only give up a small portion of their rights but also, must also insure the state does not infringe upon the society’s rights. “…Whenever the legislators endeavor to take away, and destroy the Proper the Property of the People, or reduce them to Slavery under Arbitrary Power, they put themselves into a state of War with the people…” (Locke, 63). The state provides means of setting boundaries and executing what man alone cannot do even in society but, society also has a role in insuring that the state does not abuse its power and begin restraining society. If the state does infringe on these rights, the society then becomes responsible for removing the

Keynes interpretation differs because he offers more on what matters should or should not engage the state. However, Keynes is similar to Locke and Green because he also defines the role of state for future stability and development. Keynes defines the role of the state by differentiating between the agenda of government from the non-agenda. Keynes argues progress within society is possible with the creation of regulatory bodies within the state. Semi-autonomous bodies would ensure economic boundaries. Keynes makes his argument clear by asserting the state must interfere in matters that are not easily achievable by an individual themselves but rather, in matters that do not exist if the state itself does not create. Keynes states “…The important thing for government is not to do things which individuals are doing already and to do them better or a little worse but to do things that are not done at all” (Keynes, 101). Keynes did not define a clear role for society because in Keynes view, individuals do not have inherit or natural freedoms as Locke describes in his works but, he believes that state involvement can protect society from economic damage and thereby helping them develop the state further in the