Natural rights involve the idea that individuals possess inherent rights simply by being human, regardless of any government or societal constructs. These rights typically include life, liberty, and property.
The reasoning why people might create a government in the first place is deeply tied to the protection and preservation of these natural rights. When individuals come together as a society, they recognize the need for a structured authority to safeguard their rights and provide order. Without government, there would be a risk of conflict and infringement upon individual rights, which could lead to a state of chaos or lawlessness.
In terms of what government should look like based on the natural world, the argument often goes towards a system that emerges from the fundamental principles of equality and justice found in nature. Governments should be designed to reflect these principles, ensuring that laws are fair, and rights are protected in a manner consistent with the natural rights philosophy. This might involve democratic systems where individuals have a voice in governance, as well as checks and balances to prevent abuses of power.
Considering the natural development of inherited institutions, the argument here is that societies often evolve from familial or tribal structures that naturally seek to create order and protect their members, eventually leading to more formal governmental institutions.
Finally, reasoning about the natural instincts of people regarding social order suggests that humans are inherently social beings who seek community and cooperation. Thus, a government should facilitate this social order, ensure mutual respect, collaboration, and justice among its members to align with their instincts for harmony and coexistence.
In summary, natural rights emphasize the necessity of government for the protection of fundamental human rights and the pursuit of a structured and equitable society.