Two Treatises of Government

Name: Two Treatises of Government
Author: John Locke

The work presents a critical examination of the concept of government, particularly focusing on the nature of authority and the legitimacy of political power. It argues against the notion of absolute monarchy derived from divine right, as posited by earlier thinkers. The author critiques the idea that all men are born into a state of subjugation to a monarch, asserting instead that individuals possess natural rights to freedom and equality. The text begins by addressing the fallacy of absolute monarchy, particularly as articulated by Sir Robert Filmer, who claims that all government is rooted in the divine right of kings, with Adam as the first monarch. The author refutes this by emphasizing that no man is born a slave and that the concept of natural freedom is fundamental to human existence. The critique extends to the historical and biblical interpretations that support the idea of hereditary monarchy, arguing that such interpretations lack a solid foundation in scripture or reason. The author explores the implications of paternal authority, suggesting that while fathers have a natural right to govern their children, this does not extend to a broader political authority over others. The text argues that the power of a father is personal and cannot be inherited or transferred, thus undermining the claim that kingship can be derived from paternal lineage. The author posits that true political authority arises from the consent of the governed, rather than from a supposed divine right. The work also delves into the historical context of governance, examining the roles of patriarchs and judges in biblical narratives. It highlights the absence of a clear line of succession from Adam to subsequent rulers, suggesting that the establishment of kingship in Israel was not a restoration of a divine order but rather a response to the people's demands for leadership. The author emphasizes that the legitimacy of rulers must be based on their ability to govern justly and with the consent of their subjects, rather than on an inherited claim to power. In conclusion, the text advocates for a political system grounded in the principles of natural rights and the social contract, where authority is derived from the collective agreement of individuals rather than from a singular, hereditary monarch. It calls for a reevaluation of the foundations of political power, urging a shift away from the notion of divine right towards a more democratic understanding of governance.

By John Locke · First published 1689 · Genre: Political Philosophy, Social Contract Theory, Enlightenment Literature · 30 chapters · 117,002 words

First lines

Slavery is so vile and miserable an estate of man, and so directly opposite to the generous temper and courage of our nation, that it is hardly to be conceived, that an Englishman, much less a gentleman, should plead for it. And truly, I should have taken Sir Robert Filmer's Patriarcha, as any other treatise, which would persuade all men that they are slaves, and ought to be so, for such another exercise of wit as was his who writ the encomium of Nero; rather than for a serious discourse, meant in earnest: had not the gravity of the title and epistle, the picture in the front of the book, and the applause that followed it, required me to believe that the author and publisher were both in earnest. I therefore took it into my hands with all the expectation, and read it through with all the attention due to a treatise that made such a noise at its coming abroad: and cannot but confess myself mightily surprised, that in a book, which was to provide chains for all mankind, I should find nothing but a rope of sand; useful perhaps to such, whose skill and business it is to raise a dust, and would blind the people, the better to mislead them; but in truth not of any force to draw those into bondage who have their eyes open, and so much sense about them, as to consider, that chains are but an ill wearing, how much care soever hath been taken to file and polish them.

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Two Treatises of Government is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Locke, dated 1689 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: John Locke
Date: 1689 CE
Language: English
Genres: Political Philosophy, Social Contract Theory, Enlightenment Literature, Legal Theory, Philosophical Essay
Length: 117,002 words
Structure: 30 chapters, 487 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Political Philosophy — The book primarily discusses the nature of government, authority, and individual rights.
Social Contract Theory — It explores the concept of the social contract and the legitimacy of political power.
Enlightenment Literature — It reflects Enlightenment ideals of reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority.
Legal Theory — The treatises analyze the foundations of law and governance.