John Locke Second Treatise

Chapter 1: Discourse on Authority

• Locke asserts that critical analysis of his arguments is not equivalent to an adequate rebuttal.

• Key assertions from the First Treatise of Government by Locke:

  • Authority of Adam:

    1. Adam had no inherent authority over his offspring and the world, whether by natural or divine right.

    2. Even if Adam possessed authority, it would not extend to his descendants.

    3. The question of inheritance of authority is indeterminate; no natural law specifies the heirs.

    4. The historical lineage to ascertain rightful ruling is obscured, negating claims to authority based on inheritance from Adam.

• Locke concludes that current rulers cannot derive authority from Adam's supposed dominion, refuting the notion that governments exist to exert force without moral justification.

Chapter 2: Political Power Defined

• Locke differentiates political power from other social relationships (father to child, master to servant, etc.).

• Political power is defined as a right to make and enforce laws aimed at the public good.

• Natural State of Men:

  • In the state of nature, people have complete freedom and equality, bound only by the law of nature.

  • No individual has more power over another unless explicitly designated by God.

  • Natural Equality:

    • Richard Hooker argues that men are obliged to love one another due to their equality; this forms the basis for justice and morality.

Chapter 3: State of Nature

• Liberty vs. License:

  • Liberty allows freedom of action under the guidance of reason, while license disregards laws that govern behavior.

• Killing or harming others is prohibited unless serving a higher purpose, maintaining societal harmony.

• Law of Nature:

  • Governed by reason, obligating each person to respect the rights of others.

  • Enforcement of the law is a collective responsibility in the state of nature.

Chapter 4: Nature of War

• The state of war reflects a declared intention to harm another individual.

• Ware against persons who endanger life is justified as a means of preserving one’s own safety.

• Individuals engaging in war are deemed to act outside the bounds of moral law.

• The societal obligation to complain about injustices promotes the need for governance.

Chapter 5: Slavery and Justice

• Natural liberty is defined as a freedom from superior power, governed solely by the law of nature.

• The liberty of individuals in society must be under laws created by mutual consent.

• Concept of Freedom:

  • Freedom is misunderstood when equated with absolute libertinism; it implies structured governances that promote order and safety.

Chapter 6: Paternal Power

• Locke critiques the term "paternal power" for misrepresenting parental roles, advocating for the term "parental power" to represent both father and mother equally.

• Parents’ authority is temporary, necessary for providing care and education.

• Once children reach maturity, they attain freedom, and their obligations to honor their parents should not be confused with absolute obedience.

• Parental authority should focus on nurturing children until they can govern themselves, not imposing irrational control.