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.