John Locke’s ‘Two Treatises of Government

This analysis examines John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government, focusing on its foundational arguments for political philosophy and its influence. It is intended for readers interested in the historical development of Western political thought, the concepts of natural rights, and the justification of governmental authority.

Who This Is For

• Students of Political Philosophy: Individuals studying the Enlightenment, liberalism, and the origins of democratic theory will find this a foundational text.
• Readers Interested in Government Legitimacy: Those seeking to understand the philosophical underpinnings of why governments have authority and the limits of that authority will find Locke’s arguments directly relevant.

What to Check First

• Historical Context: Understand that the First Treatise directly refutes Robert Filmer’s patriarchal absolutism, while the Second Treatise presents Locke’s positive theory of government. This dual purpose is crucial for comprehension.
• Natural Rights Doctrine: Identify Locke’s core concept of natural rights—life, liberty, and property—as the bedrock of his political philosophy.
• Social Contract Theory: Recognize that Locke posits a voluntary agreement among individuals to form a society and government, surrendering certain freedoms for collective protection.
• Right of Revolution: Note Locke’s assertion that citizens retain the right to resist or overthrow a government that systematically violates their natural rights.

Step-by-Step Plan for Understanding William Shakespeare by Two Treatises of Government

To fully grasp the significance of John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government, particularly in relation to broader intellectual history, a structured approach is recommended. This plan outlines key areas for analysis and comprehension.

1. Deconstruct the First Treatise:

• Action: Read the First Treatise thoroughly.
• What to Look For: Locke’s systematic dismantling of Robert Filmer’s arguments for divine right monarchy and absolute patriarchal authority. Pay attention to Locke’s refutation of inherited power derived from Adam.
• Mistake to Avoid: Treating the First Treatise as an independent work; its primary function is to clear the ground for the arguments in the Second Treatise.

2. Analyze the Second Treatise’s Foundation:

• Action: Focus on the initial chapters of the Second Treatise.
• What to Look For: Locke’s articulation of the “state of nature” and the concept of natural law, which dictates that individuals possess inherent rights even without organized government.
• Mistake to Avoid: Assuming the state of nature is inherently chaotic; Locke’s state of nature is governed by reason and natural law, though it lacks a common judge.

3. Examine the Formation of Political Society:

• Action: Study Locke’s explanation of how individuals consent to leave the state of nature.
• What to Look For: The mechanism of the social contract, where individuals agree to form a commonwealth and establish a government to protect their property (broadly defined as life, liberty, and estate).
• Mistake to Avoid: Overlooking the voluntary nature of consent; Locke argues against implied or hereditary submission to authority.

4. Identify the Purpose and Limits of Government:

• Action: Analyze Locke’s delineation of governmental powers.
• What to Look For: The concept of limited government, primarily tasked with preserving natural rights and acting for the public good, with legislative power being supreme but not absolute.
• Mistake to Avoid: Confusing Locke’s limited government with anarchy; he advocates for a structured, lawful authority.

5. Understand the Right of Revolution:

• Action: Read Locke’s concluding chapters on the dissolution of government.
• What to Look For: The conditions under which individuals are justified in resisting or overthrowing a government, specifically when it acts contrary to its trust and infringes upon natural rights.
• Mistake to Avoid: Equating any grievance with a justification for rebellion; Locke emphasizes systemic tyranny and repeated violations of rights.

6. Contextualize with William Shakespeare by Two Treatises of Government:

• Action: Consider how Locke’s ideas on sovereignty, rights, and the governed might resonate or contrast with themes found in Shakespeare’s plays.
• What to Look For: Depictions of legitimate and illegitimate rule, the consequences of unchecked power, and the rights (or lack thereof) of individuals within monarchical or unstable political systems in Shakespeare’s works. This comparative analysis offers a richer understanding of William Shakespeare by Two Treatises of Government.
• Mistake to Avoid: Forcing connections where they don’t naturally exist; focus on thematic parallels rather than direct influence unless explicitly documented.

7. Synthesize and Evaluate:

• Action: Reflect on the lasting impact of Locke’s arguments.
• What to Look For: Locke’s influence on subsequent political thought, revolutions (e.g., American Revolution), and the development of constitutional democracies.
• Mistake to Avoid: Underestimating the radical nature of Locke’s ideas in his own time, which challenged established hierarchies.

Common Myths About William Shakespeare by Two Treatises of Government

This section addresses prevalent misconceptions regarding the relationship between literary works and political philosophy.

• Myth: Shakespeare directly influenced Locke’s political theories.
• Why it matters: This is a common assumption when comparing literary and philosophical giants, but direct textual evidence for Shakespeare influencing Locke’s core political arguments is scarce.
• Fix: Focus on thematic resonance and shared intellectual currents of the era rather than direct causality. Locke was responding to specific political theorists of his time.

• Myth: Locke’s Second Treatise is a direct justification for any form of popular uprising.
• Why it matters: Misinterpreting Locke’s right of revolution can lead to oversimplification of his nuanced position on governmental legitimacy and citizen responsibility.
• Fix: Emphasize that Locke outlines specific conditions for justified rebellion, involving systemic tyranny and repeated violations of natural rights, not mere dissatisfaction.

• Myth: The First Treatise is irrelevant to understanding Locke’s political philosophy.
• Why it matters: Dismissing the First Treatise means missing a crucial part of Locke’s argumentative strategy, which was designed to refute the absolutist claims that underpinned the divine right of kings.
• Fix: Recognize the First Treatise as essential groundwork that establishes the problematic nature of inherited, absolute power, thereby paving the way for the Second Treatise‘s constructive theory.

To further explore the thematic connections between political philosophy and dramatic literature, consider engaging with ‘William Shakespeare by Two Treatises of Government’. This resource can offer a unique perspective on how Shakespeare’s works portray themes of power and governance.

Two Treatises of Government

• Audible Audiobook
• John Locke (Author) - James Langton (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 03/30/2011 (Publication Date) - Tantor Audio (Publisher)

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Expert Tips for Engaging with Locke’s Arguments

Engaging with Locke’s Two Treatises of Government requires careful attention to his logical structure and historical context. The following tips offer practical advice for a deeper understanding.

• Tip 1: Differentiate the Treatises:
• Actionable Step: Read the First Treatise and the Second Treatise as distinct but interconnected works.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Blurring the arguments of the two treatises; the First is primarily polemical against Filmer, while the Second is constructive, outlining Locke’s own theory.

• Tip 2: Identify Locke’s Definition of Property:
• Actionable Step: Pay close attention to how Locke defines “property” throughout the Second Treatise.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Assuming property refers solely to material possessions; Locke’s definition is broader, encompassing one’s life, liberty, and estate, forming the core of natural rights.

• Tip 3: Trace the Concept of Consent:
• Actionable Step: Follow Locke’s arguments regarding express and tacit consent as the basis for legitimate government.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Underestimating the radical implications of consent in Locke’s era, where divine right and inherited authority were dominant; Locke insists on individual agreement as the source of political power.

BLOCKQUOTE_0

This quote highlights Locke’s view that law and freedom are not opposed but complementary, with law serving to protect and expand liberty.

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FAQ

• Q1: What is the primary difference between the First and Second Treatise?

A1: The First Treatise is a refutation of Robert Filmer’s theory of divine right and patriarchal monarchy. The Second Treatise presents Locke’s positive theory of natural rights, the social contract, and limited government.

• Q2: Does Locke’s theory of natural rights apply universally?

A2: Locke argues that natural rights are inherent to all individuals by virtue of their humanity, derived from natural law, and thus theoretically universal, though their application and recognition have varied historically.

• Q3: How does Locke’s social contract differ from Hobbes’?

A3: Unlike Hobbes, who posits a surrender of nearly all rights to an absolute sovereign for security, Locke’s social contract involves individuals consenting to form a government that protects their pre-existing natural rights, retaining the right to revolution if the government fails in its duty.

• Q4: Can Locke’s ideas be considered a blueprint for William Shakespeare by Two Treatises of Government?

A4: While Locke’s political philosophy provides a framework for understanding legitimate governance and individual rights that can be used to analyze the political dynamics and character motivations in Shakespeare’s plays, it is not a direct blueprint. The connection lies in comparative thematic analysis, exploring how Shakespeare’s works depict power, justice, and rebellion within monarchical contexts, which resonate with Locke’s theoretical concerns.

Key Themes and Strengths

• Natural Rights: Locke’s articulation of inherent rights to life, liberty, and property remains a cornerstone of liberal political thought.
• Limited Government: His emphasis on consent and the rule of law provided a powerful critique of absolutism and a foundation for constitutionalism.
• Right of Revolution: The justification for citizens to resist tyranny offered a radical challenge to established monarchical power and influenced revolutionary movements.

Limitations and Reading Context

• Historical Specificity: While influential, some of Locke’s arguments are deeply rooted in the specific political debates of 17th-century England, particularly concerning religious toleration and property law.
• Exclusionary Practices: Locke’s concept of “property” and consent has been criticized for its historical application, which often excluded women, enslaved people, and indigenous populations from full political participation.
• Reading Context: For a comprehensive understanding, it is beneficial to read Locke alongside contemporary political theorists (like Hobbes and Filmer) and later thinkers who engaged with or critiqued his ideas. Understanding the historical context of the Glorious Revolution (1688) also illuminates the Treatises‘ purpose.