John Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government: A Foundation of Modern Political Thought

John Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government is a seminal work in modern political philosophy. Published in 1689, the treatise sets forth Locke's theory of natural rights, the social contract, and the limited government. These ideas have profoundly influenced political thought and the development of democratic societies around the world.

In the Second Treatise, Locke argues that all human beings are born with certain fundamental rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are inherent and inalienable, meaning that they cannot be taken away by any government.

Second Treatise on Civil Government

by John Locke

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Locke also argues that the only legitimate government is one that is based on the consent of the governed. This consent is given through a social contract, in which individuals agree to surrender some of their natural rights in exchange for the protection and benefits of living in a society.

Locke's theory of limited government holds that the government's power is limited to protecting the natural rights of its citizens. The government cannot interfere with the lives of its citizens beyond what is necessary to protect their rights.

The Second Treatise on Civil Government has been enormously influential in the development of political thought and the establishment of democratic societies. Its ideas have been used to justify revolutions, create constitutions, and shape the laws of many nations.

Locke's Theory of Natural Rights

Locke's theory of natural rights is based on the idea that all human beings are created equal and independent. This equality and independence are not based on any social or political convention, but rather on the inherent nature of human beings.

Locke argues that human beings have certain fundamental rights simply because they are human. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are inviolable, meaning that they cannot be taken away by any government.

Locke's theory of natural rights is a powerful argument for the protection of individual liberty. It provides a foundation for the belief that governments should be limited in their power and that the rights of individuals should be protected.

Locke's Theory of the Social Contract

Locke's theory of the social contract is based on the idea that all legitimate governments are based on the consent of the governed. This consent is given through a social contract, in which individuals agree to surrender some of their natural rights in exchange for the protection and benefits of living in a society.

Locke argues that the social contract is a necessary condition for the existence of a legitimate government. Without the consent of the governed, the government is nothing more than a tyranny.

Locke's theory of the social contract has been used to justify revolutions against oppressive governments. It has also been used to support the idea of democratic government, in which the government is accountable to the people.

Locke's Theory of Limited Government

Locke's theory of limited government holds that the government's power is limited to protecting the natural rights of its citizens. The government cannot interfere with the lives of its citizens beyond what is necessary to protect their rights.

Locke argues that the government should be limited in its power because it is a potential threat to individual liberty. If the government is given too much power, it can easily become tyrannical and oppress its citizens.

Locke's theory of limited government has been a major influence on the development of constitutional law. Many constitutions include provisions that limit the power of the government and protect the rights of individuals.

John Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government is a foundational work in modern political philosophy. Its ideas have profoundly influenced political thought and the development of democratic societies around the world.

Locke's theory of natural rights provides a powerful argument for the protection of individual liberty. His theory of the social contract justifies democratic government and his theory of limited government ensures that the government remains accountable to its citizens.

The Second Treatise on Civil Government is a must-read for anyone interested in political philosophy or the history of democracy.

Additional Resources

• The Second Treatise on Civil Government by John Locke
• John Locke's Political Philosophy by the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
• Second Treatise on Civil Government by Encyclopedia Britannica

Second Treatise on Civil Government

by John Locke

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	314 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	159 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE