Explain the Locke's views on State of Nature.

Man understands the importance and benefits of balancing social and individual interest. So, man is able to live a social life in the state of nature.

In Hobbes, state of nature was pre-social (one man after another man) and pre-political (political authority, was needed). But in Locke, it was pre-political.

Locke gives a contrasting picture of state of nature in comparison of Hobbes. His state of nature is peaceful where order and good will prevailed. This was possible because of the presence of natural laws. Since man has reason and man could comprehend natural laws.

In works of Locke, we find the justification of superiority of natural laws and natural rights. For Locke, natural law is a higher law and positive law should conform to the principles of natural law. Here we can see a continuity between the thoughts of Locke and Aristotle. Since Locke was the supporter of natural law tradition, like Aristotle. Locke also believes ultimate power lies at the community. Locke is known as the last great voice of natural law tradition. After Locke we supporting the positive law tradition.