John Locke's Second Treatise of Government, published in 1689, is a foundational text in the philosophy of political theory. It argues for the social contract theory and the natural rights of individuals.
Overview
The Second Treatise is a response to Thomas Hobbes's "Leviathan," which argues that the state of nature is a "war of all against all." Locke, on the other hand, posits that the state of nature is not inherently violent but rather peaceful, and that the government's role is to protect the natural rights of life, liberty, and property.
Key Points
- State of Nature: Locke believes that in the state of nature, individuals are free and equal. They have the right to life, liberty, and property.
- Social Contract: Individuals enter into a social contract to form a government that will protect their natural rights.
- Limited Government: The government should have limited powers and should be based on the consent of the governed.
- Right to Revolution: If the government fails to protect the natural rights of the people, the people have the right to overthrow it.
Locke's Influence
Locke's ideas have had a profound influence on the development of liberal democracy. His work has been influential in the writings of many important political philosophers, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, and Immanuel Kant.
Further Reading
For those interested in delving deeper into Locke's Second Treatise of Government, we recommend the following resources: