JOHN LOCKE'S INFLUENCE ON THE FORMATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Abstract

Through bibliographical analysis, this article investigates John Locke's contribution to the formation of human rights. The thesis is defended that, in a period of secularization of law and affirmation of individualism, Locke's naturalistic conception of contractual nature helped contest English monarchical power and quickly spread a liberal and democratic spirit throughout England, United States of America and Europe, later consolidating itself in the first internal declarations of rights, which would then become the great inspiration for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of 1948. It is therefore concluded that Locke's political doctrine decisively influenced the formation of human rights.