Natural Rights Philosophy Vs Classical Republicanism

What are the main attributes of both views?

Natural Rights Philosophy
Individual rights Popular sovereignty/ government by consent Limited government Human Equality

Classical Republicanism
Small uniform communities Citizen and civic virture Moral education

Compare and Contrast the NR and CR views

Compare

Natural Rights Philosophy 1. Stressed the rights of the individual to life, liberty and property

Classical Republicanism 1. Stressed promoting the common good above the rights of the individual

Natural Rights Philosophy 2. Stressed that human nature is such that individual behavior is motivated by self interest

Classical Republicanism 2. Stressed that individuals should be motivated by civic virtue.

Natural Rights Philosophy

3. Stressed that society is a collection of individuals, each sharing the same right to pursue his or her own freedom. (Self Interest, pursuing opportunities)

Classical Republicanism
3. Limited individual rights to

privacy, belief, expression and opportunities to read, think, and earn money. (If people had freedom to do such things , they might stop being reliable and fully dedicated to the common good. (Putting community interest ahead of individual interest)

Natural Rights Philosophy

4. Stressed that peoples opportunities should not be limited by the situation or group into which they were born.

Classical Republicanism
4. Discouraged diversity of beliefs, wealth, and ways of life. Stressed small communities where people know and care for each other. Discouraged citizens from traveling , earning money, and reading and thinking about things that had nothing to do with their government,

Natural Rights Philosophy

5. Stressed that the main purpose of government should be to protect natural rights. The state existed to serve the interest of the individual.

Classical Republicanism
5. Stressed avoiding the formation of factions or interest groups that might endanger

What is the primary goal of humans living together?

Natural Rights Philosophy Classical Republicanism

Ensure protection of Promote the common life, liberty and property good, exercise civic virtue, achieve human excellence

What ought to motivate human behavior?

Natural Rights Philosophy
Self-interest, pursuing opportunities

Classical Republicanism
Putting community interest ahead of individual interest

What is the relationship between the public sphere and private sphere
Natural Rights Philosophy
Public sphere a collection of private individuals and interests; no limits on acquisitions, Government must be limited; public sphere as small as possible

Classical Republicanism
Public sphere most important; therefore, need to limit individual to privacy, belief, expression, and opportunities to consider thoughts and ideas incompatible with common good.

How important is participation in civic activities?

Natural Rights Philosophy
Deciding to participate is up to the individual.

Classical Republicanism
All citizens should participate fully in community to promote common good; civic virtue relate to office holding another contributions to well-being of the community.