Positive Moral Basis for Capitalist Society Essay

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Moral Basis of Capitalism

Positive Moral Basis for Capitalist Society

The theory of property right is probably society's turning point towards capitalism. Locke's theory on civil society and government is centered around individuals' natural right to property. In the Second Treatise, the author's justification of individuals uniting into developing governments, societies, is represented by their intention of preserving property. In Locke's view, it is the preservation of property that draws the limits, rights and obligations of governments and civil society. The issue here is Locke's definition of property. The interesting point is that Locke seems to differently categorize property within the Second Treatise. For example, property in Locke's view is individual's life, liberty and estate in some parts of the writing, while in other parts property is represented by persons and goods. Although specialists in the field have found this view on property as confusing, I think it should not be taken into consideration, as one should focus on Locke's approach to property of all kinds, and not necessarily on his definition of property.

Locke made it clear in his work that property is individuals' natural right, and that they can express full freedom in deciding how they use their property, no matter its kind. This is the basis of capitalism, but it is also a premise that can create political, administrative and civil disorder. Therefore, Locke established some limitations in people's use of property. Another law was considered even more important than the property right. It was the Law of Nature, according to which all men are equal, independent, and other people were not to attempt to their integrity in any way. This is the reflection of Locke's need to balance the power granted to individuals' through property right.

Another interesting point that Locke's theory relies on is represented by his view that men had the right to food and drink provided by nature as much required as to subside. Again, Locke anticipated the chaos that such an opinion can have. He then completed his theory by stating that in order to make use of earth's produce, men had to own them, to appropriate them. Locke continues by establishing the rightful means of individual appropriation.

Locke sets again the framework for capitalism by addressing the labor situation. By labor Locke understands any labor of the body, work of men's hands that allows people the right to appropriate what is produced by their labor. In these cases, there is no need for others' approval on individual appropriation. This way, Locke establishes the foundation of individual appropriation. The basic justification identified by Locke for individual appropriation relies on people appropriating as much of earth's produce as they could make use of, leave enough for others, and mix it with their labor.

From this point further, Locke introduces private possessions. This is in strong connection with the introduction of money. Individual limited appropriation was possible in situations where no money was involved. The introduction of money into the equation basically annuls limited appropriation. The unlimited amounts of gold and silver gave people the right to unlimited possessions. This theory determines class distinctions and inequality. In the case of limited appropriation, it can be concluded that individuals were equal. But in situations of unlimited appropriation, there can no longer be the case of equality.

However, there are several directions that were not covered by Locke's theory. In the case of limited appropriation, Locke relied his theory on the fact that people had no need of appropriating more than they could use. But in the case of unlimited appropriation determined by the introduction of money Locke does not justify the fact that people can appropriate as much as they can with the amount of money they have, as they are not limited to what they need.

In order to analyze the positive moral basis of capitalist theory proposed by John Locke it is important to also address the theorist's approach to gold accumulation. The mercantilist orientation that Locke expresses in his work identifies gold accumulation as a [roper objective of mercantile policy. However, Locke emphasizes the fact that people's gold accumulation must not be an objective in itself, but a tool in increasing trade activities. This approach can be thoroughly analyzed in Locke's economic treatises.

In Locke's Considerations one can easily identify the theorist's connection between money, capital and land. The theories proposed by John Locke leave plenty of room for different interpretations. C.B. Macpherson is probably one of the most important analysts of Locke's work. His interpretation on Locke's theory reveals the fact that Locke protected capitalist accumulation on an unrestricted basis.

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Although Locke does not directly refer to capitalism in his work, the theories he developed can be thought of pillars of libertarian capitalism. His theories, views and opinions have set the foundation of the current democratic world's civil organization. The current legal, political and social environments rely on the theories proposed by Locke. His ideas have not been changed, but improved during the centuries that followed their development, which reflects their correctness and applicability to modern times.

Probably the most comprehensive of John Locke's works is the Second Treatise, where the theorist granted government sovereignty to citizens. In other words, the central idea of Locke's theories is based on the power that individual's have as a society. He clearly describes the role of governments as protector of individuals' rights. One of the most important of these rights, the right to property, is comprehensively approached by Locke and has not significantly modified until present times. Most of his theories center round the right to property and its preservation.

The capitalist society of current times has maintained most of Locke's theories. However, the interpretations of these theories vary in accordance with the philosophical and political currents of thought that developed them. The positive moral basis for the capitalist society developed by Locke's ideas has also determined contradictory objectives.

In the Second Treatise, Locke states that all men are born free and equal, and have natural rights in the state of nature. But the capitalist society actually reveals the contrary. The capitalist society is necessarily dependent on inequality and class distinctions. Apparently, these can be thought of as contradictory principles. But a more in depth analysis of John Locke's treatises reveals the explanation of this situation.

Therefore, people are born equal in terms of the rights that they have, but inequality between individuals can be determined by the evolution of capital accumulation they produce. All men have the right to limited equal possessions in the state of nature by birth. But their evolution can allow them the possibility of accumulating more than others. This is in strong relationship with Locke's theories on property and the introduction of money.

It is the introduction of capital that determines inequality and class distinctions between capitalist society's members. As the term "capitalism" reveals, our society is based on the circulation of capital. With capital determining different levels of property sizes, it is obvious that the capitalist society relies on class inequality.

In Locke's view, civil society was created in order to protect people's rights to life, liberty and property. The right to property represents the central principle in Locke's work. The idea of government also relies on the fact that governments should focus on protecting individuals' right to property, while not having the right to alter it.

John Locke's opinions are criticized by some. The critics of his work state that Locke's theories are strongly influenced and biased by his background, education, and upbringing. Locke's family was a prosperous one that had several estates. Locke's education background at Westminster School in London and Oxford University focused on philosophy and medicine. Locke's friendship with the Earl of Shaftesbury introduced him into politics. The Whig movement that Locke became a member of has significantly influenced him and his work.

The Whig movement was associated with noble houses and rich merchants that developed trade activities. Locke's wealthy family determined his orientation on the justification of capital accumulation and property right addressed in the Second Treatise and in other economic treatises. Locke's theories on property accumulation reflect his background and are strongly influenced by it (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2012). Locke's theories critics considered that this environment determined Locke to develop the philosophy based on the importance of property as a pillar of civil society.

Another important idea derived from Locke's theories is represented by the fact that a social contract is necessary in order to provide security and social harmony, while reducing violence and anarchy of the state of nature. Social contract theories come from ancient times, and can be found in different views. In john Locke's view, the social contract's purpose is in strong relationship with citizens' right to revolt against their king. This approach has significantly influenced numerous democratic revolutions. This seems to be in disagreement with Locke's intentions of the social contract providing social harmony.

The social contract theories developed by John Locke were influenced by….....

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