Locke's Theory of Property Paper Example

John Locke's theory of property which is also known as the theory of labor ownership emphasizes on originality of property in regards to labor. In this context, it focuses on the reason why John Locke believes that natural property has made humans selfish. Also, the essay will discuss the theory of body property that is characterized by liberality and reason. The research will also distinguish the theory of body property and point out why it's not an efficient mode of describing the theory of owning objects. The theory of property is a wide subject which also focused on political aspects.

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In accordance with Grant (58), John Locke believed that all property was joint and communal. The theory also highlights the use of property in accordance to someone's potential and labor. John Locke also believes that its fair for individuals to own small chunks of property for their use and enjoyment (Grant, 69). For instance, if a man has a small family, Locke preferred such a person to only have a chunk of land which would benefit the small family. If the man with a small family had a big property, then in such cases John Locke believed it was like stealing from people who did not own any property.

Locke's theory of value also applied to property in that it stated that the property of one' s labor was supposed to be their property. Locke argued that no man's labor would overcome a large chunk of property through which would interfere with the right of another individual. This proposition interprets the importance of property to all individuals (Widerquist, 5). However, Locke insists the importance of limiting ownership of property in accordance with the labor. The principal created such a stir in that it advocated for people who work to be the only ones owning property. During John Locke's era, diversity was a major issue in that individuals who did not labor or were unemployed were forced not to vote (Grant, 60).

John Locke's theory consisted of several features through which were linked to the property. First, the principal of property draws attention on property to be not of much value. The value of the property was determined by the labor. Through this, the people who did not have labor were forced to work in the properties of other individuals to sustain their income (Widerquist, 9). This was a feature which John Locke describes as a way of creating labor for the unemployed. The government is concerned with every issue related to the property. John Locke believed that the governing body must be involved in ensuring security for every property. Generally, the government has no right to evict individuals from their personal land (Widerquist, 10).

Properties which can be common or individually owned tend to be classified in accordance with their usage. Locke's highlighted that property can be used for two purposes which are either for material goods or for rights and interests. In terms of material goods, employment can be created (Alexandar & Penalver, 50). When referring to the rights and interests, it only focuses on satisfying one's personal needs hence lack of employment opportunities. Thus, Locke's refers to owning only a portion of the property in accordance with the usage. If an individual owns a large portion of the property, then it is advisable for the owner to create employment for people with no labor. Failure to which the owner can be termed as a thief due to the fact that there is a lot of property used for personal gain.

Property theory points out nature. John Locke outlines the important facts nature has offered to us. First, the theory highlights that nature plays a vital role in that it's communal. Meaning, any individual has the right to eat what it has offered. By what nature has offered all human beings, it is one evidence which can be used to claim that all people have a responsibility given by God (Alexandar & Penalver, 38). Locke believed that God created everything and gave nature to us human beings so that all people would benefit equally. The feature on God clearly points out why the theory focused on encouraging the sharing of property especially for people with labor.

Labor has played a major role in the theory of property. John Locke believes that with labor, a property can be more productive and conducive as compared to wasted lands. Locke also emphasizes taking a larger chunk of property only if the party can make the property conducive for other people. Property ownership was linked to happiness whereas unowned land was observed to bring unhappiness. As outlined by Alexander & Penalver (81), Happiness was associated with Britain through which property was almost shared equally whereas America there were large pieces of land with no owners. Logically, Locke believed that money helped people to make their properties productive thus the main reason as to why people with no labor were not supposed to have properties.

John Locke is more obliged to the fact a property should be shared amongst all the people with labor. Thus, the property theory indicated that nature did not indicate each property to a particular owner. In reference to the Bible, Locke further explained the property theory in that God created nature for every man to benefit (Penner & Otsuka, 64). Nature provides us with free varieties of food and water through which we are not entitled to pay. Ironically, the theory of property indicated that people should only acquire small properties and people with no employment not to owe a single property which does not seem to go parallel with the bible.

In a personal point of view, a property is supposed to be owned by people of all socioeconomic status. The only solution needed is to educate individuals with no labor o how they would benefit from their property. By declining the unemployed property ownership, people with labor will feel the urge of acquiring more property. the fact that Locke's theory claims that a property is bought using money brings forward the point of division. A majority of the people do not have enough money to buy properties. Lack of enough money clearly distinguishes Locke's theory by encouraging those who are richer to acquire more property.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Locke's theory continues to impact modern society. John Locke's theory still remains a major contributing factor to human rights. The theory clearly pointed out why poverty levels would increase. However, John Locke failed to highlight the solution for preventing an increase in poverty levels. The property theory created an impact in that it revealed some of the issues the modern society goes through. People work hard to incur money for acquiring properties which in some circumstances most are wasted.

Works Cited

Alexander, G and Penalver, E. An Introduction to Property Theory. , 2012. Print.

Grant, R. John Locke's Liberalism. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010. Print.

Penner, J & Otsuka, M. Property Theory: Legal and Political Perspectives. Cambridge University Press, 2018

Widerquist, K. Lockean Theories of Property: Justifications for Unilateral Appropriation. Georgia, University, 2010. Retrieved from www.publicreason.ro/pdfa/21. Accessed on 10/8/2019