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lockes two treatises on government

The Oxford Handbook of British Philosophy in the Seventeenth Century

  • Edited by: Peter R. Anstey

  • Published: 2013

  • Online ISBN: 9780191750397

  • Print ISBN: 9780199549993

John Locke's Two Treatises of Government

  • Author: A. John Simmons

  • Pages: 542–562

  • Abstract:

    • Discusses Locke's work and its role in revitalizing the social contract tradition and extending elements of Calvinist political thought.

    • Highlights Locke's defense of Whig political principles.

  • Keywords:

    • Two Treatises, John Locke, social contract, Calvinist political thought, natural law, Hugo Grotius, Samuel von Pufendorf, political philosophy

Overview of Locke's Treatises

  • Publication Context:

    • Published in 1690 after the Glorious Revolution.

    • Written while Locke was with the Earl of Shaftesbury; may have been prompted by the need to justify the exclusion of King James II.

  • Philosophical Significance:

    • Represents Locke's mature political philosophy alongside his Letters Concerning Toleration.

    • Not merely a political tract; a comprehensive philosophical work.

Theoretical Influences

  • Natural Law and Political Authority:

    • Locke extends the modern natural law tradition of Grotius and Pufendorf.

    • Challenges patriarchalist theories of authority (Filmer's view).

  • Political Power vs. Other Authorities:

    • Distinguishes between political power, parental power, and despotical power.

    • Political power is only legitimate when consented to by free individuals for the common good.

Fundamental Theses

Natural Freedom and Equality

  • Core Thesis:

    • Natural freedom and equality are foundational.

    • Natural equality implies moral equality under God's law, while natural freedom allows rational individuals to govern themselves within the law of nature.

Critique of Political Naturalism

  • Target of Critique:

    • Locke opposes the idea that political authority is a natural order (i.e., divine right of kings).

Structure of Political Authority

  • Three Stages of Social Contract:

    1. Contract of incorporation to form a community.

    2. Selection of a government form.

    3. Delegation of political power to representatives.

  • Consent Requirements:

    • Unanimous consent required for incorporation; thereafter, majority rules apply.

Concepts of Property

  • Rights in Property:

    • Property is a natural right, including life, liberty, and material possessions.

    • Main argument: Labour establishes claims to property.

  • Limits on Property Rights:

    • Justifies appropriations provided there is enough remaining for others (Locke's proviso).

Family Dynamics and Political Authority

  • Parental Rights and Duties:

    • Parental power consists of the right to educate and manage children.

    • Limited by the child's well-being and forfeitable through abuse.

  • Contractual Basis of Relationships:

    • Relationships, including marriage, are founded on contracts, mirroring political structures.

Conclusion

  • Legacy of Locke's Treatises:

    • Offers a radical defense of political principles that challenged absolutism.

    • Laid groundwork for future liberal political philosophy advocating natural rights and justified revolution against tyranny.

References

  • Extensive bibliography notes significant works related to Locke’s philosophy and his influences.