State of nature

Definition

The state of nature is a concept in political philosophy used to describe the hypothetical conditions of what the lives of people might have been like before societies came into existence. It posits a time when humans lived without government, laws, or social structure, emphasizing natural freedom and equality.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theoretical agreement in which individuals consent to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to an authority in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Natural Rights: Fundamental rights that every individual is born with, assumed to be given by nature, including life, liberty, and property.

Sovereignty: The supreme power or authority within a territory, typically referring to the authority of a state to govern itself or another state