The law of nature as a divine mandate. Continuities between early writings and maturity in the work of John Locke

This article analyzes John Locke 's law of nature. Five defining features will be established and sustained throughout the examination of his works. First, the theological bias of the law of nature's foundation, which is determining for the other four features. In opposition to athcological interpretations, it will be shown that, according to Locke, the law of nature is always a divine command. Second, its teleological dimension will be analyzed, manifested in its accord with human nature, without which observing the law of nature would be impossible. Third is the non-innate character of the law of nature linked directly to man's externality, which supposes the fact that the law of nature is a divine command, even though it has to accommodate to human nature for its realization. Fourth, the need for interpretation by individual reason will be analyzed. Indeed, the law of nature, as a non-innate divine command, demands a demonstration because it is not immediately perceived by reason. Finally, the position of the law of nature in relation to positive law will be approached. In this sense, both the external character which concords with human nature, non-innate and interpretable by individual reason, allows the law of nature to act as a critic of all positive law. Thus, these five elements, articulated in the proposed order, allow us to understand the epistemological status and the practical function of the law of nature, essential, as is known, to the Lockean view on property, the State and resistance.