John Locke - Second Treatise | Political Philosophy

Summary

John Locke's 'Second Treatise of Government' posits that individuals are born free and equal, possessing natural rights to life, liberty, and property. They form a social contract to establish a government for protection and justice. Locke argues for limited government, with the legislature as the supreme power, and the right to dissolve a government that fails to preserve liberty and property. His views on property rights and resistance to unjust authority have been influential yet contentious, particularly in debates over capitalism and colonialism.

Takeaways

• 📜 John Locke's Second Treatise of Government advocates that individuals are born free and equal with natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
• 🤝 The state of nature is not inherently a state of war; people form a social contract to establish political society and government for security and justice.
• 🏛️ The legislature should be the supreme power in government, making decisions through majority vote, and even the sovereign is bound by the social contract.
• 🚫 If a government acts outside its legitimate role of preserving liberty and property, it can be justly dissolved and replaced.
• 📚 Locke's work is foundational in natural law theory and liberalism but also reveals tensions and contradictions within these traditions.
• 💼 Locke's theory of property rights has been a source of debate, with some viewing him as justifying unlimited accumulation while others see capitalist foundations.
• 🌱 Locke argues that property is created by mixing one's labor with an object, but with caveats to prevent spoilage and ensure enough is left for others.
• 💵 The introduction of money in Locke's theory allows for the accumulation of more property without spoilage, implicitly accepted by society.
• 🔗 Locke's views on slavery are complex; he opposes it as unnatural but was involved in colonial administration that included slavery.
• 👥 The social contract is a two-step process: forming a political society and then deciding on governance through majority vote.
• ⚖️ Legitimate government's purpose is to preserve rights, and any government acting beyond this scope is considered illegitimate and subject to dissolution.

Q & A

What is the central argument of John Locke's 'Second Treatise of Government'?

The central argument is that individuals are born free and equal with natural rights to life, liberty, and property. They form a social contract to establish a government to protect these rights, and the government is justified in its existence as long as it serves these purposes.

Why do individuals, according to Locke, enter into a social contract?

Individuals enter into a social contract to form a political society and establish a government to maintain security, defend their rights, and have an impartial arbiter of justice, as the state of nature lacks established laws, impartial judges, and the power to enforce laws.

What is the role of the legislature in Locke's view?

In Locke's view, the legislature should be the supreme power and should make decisions through a majority vote, rather than the executive. It is responsible for maintaining security and defending the rights of the people.

How does Locke define the state of nature?

Locke defines the state of nature as a condition where individuals are free and equal, possessing natural rights, but lacking established laws, impartial judges, and the power to enforce laws. It is not necessarily a state of constant war, but it does have potential for rights violations.

What are the legitimate ends of government according to Locke?

The legitimate ends of government, according to Locke, are to preserve the rights to life, liberty, and property, and to punish those who violate the rights of others.

What does Locke believe happens when a government acts outside its legitimate ends?

Locke believes that when a government acts outside its legitimate ends, such as preserving liberty and property, it can justly be dissolved and replaced by a new government.

How does Locke's view on property rights relate to his concept of the state of nature?

Locke's concept of property rights in the state of nature is that individuals can obtain property through their labor. This right to property is a natural right, and the state of nature is a condition where there is no established law to protect these rights, leading to the formation of government.

What is Locke's stance on slavery?

Locke considered slavery to be unfit for human beings and a condition completely opposite of legitimate political authority. He believed that individuals cannot agree to enslave themselves as it goes against God's creation of humans with power over their own lives.

How does Locke's theory of property differ from the absolute monarchy's view of property?

Locke's theory of property is based on the labor theory, where property is acquired through labor and has limitations to ensure enough for others and prevent spoilage. In contrast, absolute monarchy views property as derived from divine right, potentially allowing for arbitrary and unlimited accumulation of property.

What are the criteria for legitimate government according to Locke?

The criteria for legitimate government according to Locke include having established laws, an impartial judge to settle disputes, and the power to execute laws. The government must also pursue the common good and not act beyond its right for private advantage.

What does Locke suggest is the proper response to a government that exercises arbitrary power?

Locke suggests that when a government exercises arbitrary power, it can be justly dissolved and a new government can be formed. This is based on the idea that the government has betrayed the trust of the people and is acting contrary to the social contract.