Özet:

John Locke, one of the important philosophers of the seventeenth century and known as one of the philosophers who centered the theory of social contract, has an important place in the history of political thought. Locke has played an important role in the construction of liberal thought with his approach that evaluates human nature in a peaceful and egalitarian way, as well as his ideas on property and state. According to Locke, the aim of the establishment of the state is the protection of the natural Rights; life, liberty and property. For this aim, in Locke's thought, the state emerges not as equipped with unlimited powers, but as a minimal state with limited powers. Again, according to Locke, this state should have a functioning governed by predetermined and permanent laws. In addition, the principle of separation of powers should be adopted in the functioning of the state. In this respect, Locke draws attention as the first philosopher who systematically examined the principle of separation of powers, which is one of the most important administration principles of liberal democratic regimes. In this framework, the subject of this study is property and state in John Locke's thought. The issue of property is central to Locke's thoughts on the state. From this point of view, this study aims to reveal Locke's thoughts on the state, which has an important place in his political philosophy, based on his thoughts on the property issue. In the study, first of all, Locke's views on the state of nature, which constitutes a starting point for his ideas, will be discussed. Then, his thoughts on property and state will be examined.