Natural rights

Natural rights are rights derived from natural law. In most historical discussions they are limited to humans, and thus derive from human nature. John Locke argued that these rights are integrated with the very definition of what it means to be human. Many philosophers and statesmen have listed what they believe to be natural rights; almost all include the right to life and liberty, as these are considered to be the two highest priorities in human nature. R. M. Hare has argued that if there are any rights at all, there must be the right to liberty, for all the others would depend upon this.

See also

• Human rights
• Inalienable rights
• Civil rights