The conception of puissance and power

When the views of philosophers on political philosophy are examined, it will be seen that the concepts of puissance and power are of central importance. These consepts interact with the formation of the political system and the relations within it. It will therefore be necessary to explain how a philosopher constructs his political system to explore in particular the concept of power, and the relationship of power with individuals in the political order. The subject of these study is John Locke's conceptions of puissance and power. Locke is one of the major modern political philosophers. He developed his political philosopyh in the tradition of social contract theorists. Therefore, the starting point of these study is the exploration of Locke's conseption of the state of nature. In the satate of nature, the relationship of people is regulated by the law of nature. It contains the rules leading to a free, equal and fair social order. Everybody is subject to these law. According to the law of nature no one is allowed to harm another. Accordingly, for this reason, Locke defends state of nature as a situation of peace. However after the establishment of property and the invation of money the situation in the state of nature turns into a situation of war. This is the reason why people establish civil society namely to secure their property and natural rights. Locke considers that this transition is based on consent and assent. The legitimacy of power originates from this contract of everybody with everybody. Therefore, Locke criticizes the views that justify the legitimacy of power based on the holy book. He explicitly attacks Sir Robert Filmer. Locke considers that the limits and duties of power are determined by social contract. Individuals transfer the power and authority they possess in the state of nature to common power when they errect to civil society. In this study, there is shown according to Locke individuals do not give up their rights and powers, but they gain their freedom. Finally, in this thesis the rights individuals possess in the state of civil society are examined and in relation to this their right to property and resistance are considered.