Marx s Views On Private Property - 1157 Words

Introduction English philosopher John Locke and German philosopher Karl Marx seem completely opposed in their views of private property. While Locke believes that private property is a natural right, Marx believes that private property should be abolished. Throughout this paper, Locke’s and Marx’s individual philosophies on private property will be presented and examined. Ultimately, this paper seeks to show the similarities between these thinkers’ viewpoints on private property and demonstrate that Marx’s philosophies have some roots in Locke’s. Moreover, this paper will examine how these philosophies affected the course of social, economic, and civilizational process. Private Property and its Relation to Government and Society Locke saw the ownership of property an important natural rights, as well as fundamental to a good government and society. He believed that all citizens had a right toâ€Å"life, liberty, and property†, if they had the means to attain it (SOURCE). He discusses his theories of property in the Second Treatise of Government. He said that God gave man the earth to hold in common. However, once man adds labor to the earth it becomes their private property. When a man plows a field, for example, it becomes his and so too do the benefits (or the fruits) of this land. The main purpose of the government, for Locke, is to protect an individual’s private property. When a state of nature is in place, there is no way for an individual to ensure that their propertyShow MoreRelatedJohn Locke s Views On Private Property And Politics1133 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferent perspectives regarding private property and politics in society. Although John Locke, Niccolo Machiavelli, and Karl Marx/Frederick Engels are from different times their criticism are crucial onto the world. Being from different eras gives them a unique perspective of how one should rule or govern. 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