What concept did John Locke advocate in his "Two Treatises of Government"?

John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" is foundational to modern political philosophy, particularly in its development of the concept of natural rights. Locke argued that all individuals possess certain inherent rights simply by being human. These rights include life, liberty, and property, which Locke believed are fundamental to human existence and must be protected by government.

He contended that the role of government is to safeguard these rights, deriving its authority from the consent of the governed. This idea laid the groundwork for later democratic thought, influencing both the American and French Revolutions.

Moreover, this approach contrasts sharply with other concepts like the divine right of kings, where authority is derived from God; absolute monarchy, which emphasizes total control by a singular ruler; and state control of personal freedoms, which limits individual rights for the sake of government power. Locke’s philosophy promotes individual rights and the notion that government should operate with the consent of the governed, making his advocacy for natural rights a pivotal point in the evolution of political thought.