John Locke's Two Treatises of Government
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government, published anonymously in 1689, is a foundational text of Western political philosophy. It is a powerful defense of the principles of natural rights, limited government, and the consent of the governed, profoundly influencing the American and French Revolutions and subsequent democratic thought.
Context and Purpose
The First Treatise is a detailed refutation of Sir Robert Filmer's Patriarcha, a work that defended the divine right of kings by arguing for an absolute, hereditary monarchy based on patriarchal authority derived from Adam. Locke meticulously dismantles Filmer's arguments, demonstrating their logical inconsistencies and historical inaccuracies.
The Second Treatise, which is the more influential of the two, lays out Locke's positive theory of government. It begins with the concept of the "state of nature," a condition prior to any organized society or government, where individuals are governed by natural law. In this state, individuals possess inherent natural rights, most notably the rights to life, liberty, and property.
"The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges every one: and reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind, who will but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions."
Natural Rights and the Social Contract
Locke argues that individuals possess these rights not by the grace of a ruler, but by virtue of their humanity. To protect these rights more effectively and to escape the inconveniences and potential conflicts of the state of nature, individuals voluntarily enter into a social contract. They agree to form a political society and establish a government, surrendering certain powers (like the right to personally enforce the law of nature) in exchange for the government's protection of their fundamental rights.
The Right to Property
A key aspect of Locke's theory is his concept of property. He posits that individuals acquire property in the state of nature by mixing their labor with natural resources. This right to property is seen as a natural right, preceding the existence of government, and is a primary reason for individuals to seek its protection.
Limited Government and the Right of Revolution
The government established by the social contract is one of limited powers. Its legitimacy derives from the consent of the governed, and its primary purpose is to preserve the natural rights of its citizens. If the government acts contrary to this purpose, by infringing upon these rights or becoming tyrannical, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. This right of revolution is a crucial safeguard against arbitrary power.
Influence and Legacy
Locke's ideas were revolutionary and had a profound impact on political thought. They provided the intellectual framework for the Glorious Revolution in England and directly inspired the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. His emphasis on individual liberty, natural rights, and popular sovereignty continues to resonate in democratic societies worldwide.