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chris_dehart 's review for:
Locke: Two Treatises of Government Student Edition
by John Locke
challenging
informative
slow-paced
“Whensoever, therefore, the legislative shall transgress this fundamental rule of society, and either by ambition, fear, folly, or corruption, endeavour to grasp themselves, or put into the hands of any other, an absolute power over the lives, liberties, and estates of the people, by this breach of trust they forfeit the power the people had put into their hands for quite contrary ends, and it devolves to the people, who have a right to resume their original liberty, and by the establishment of a new legislative (such as they shall think fit), provide for their own safety and security, which is the end for which they are in society”
One of the most important works in political science, Two Treatises of Government is a fascinating explanation of the philosophy of liberalism and natural law. It was one of the most influential works on the founding fathers as well, and after reading this, i can see Locke’s influence in their thought.
The first treatise is a response to another work on the divine right of kings. This part wasn’t as captivating, since it’s less relevant to the modern day, but it is still interesting to understand the history.
The second treatise is what really grabbed me! Here Locke explains his view that while in a state of nature, people have a natural right to their lives, liberties, and estates, there lacks reliable protection of these rights from others. Therefore, people enter into societies to protect these rights, and the purpose of a legitimate government is to provide this protection.
I found these ideas to be very thought-provoking. It’s interesting to see how different modern political movements were influenced by his thought, and to consider how valid it is to the present world.
Overall, I thought it was a great read (especially the second!) and an essential for anyone interested in the intellectual foundations of our modern system of government!
One of the most important works in political science, Two Treatises of Government is a fascinating explanation of the philosophy of liberalism and natural law. It was one of the most influential works on the founding fathers as well, and after reading this, i can see Locke’s influence in their thought.
The first treatise is a response to another work on the divine right of kings. This part wasn’t as captivating, since it’s less relevant to the modern day, but it is still interesting to understand the history.
The second treatise is what really grabbed me! Here Locke explains his view that while in a state of nature, people have a natural right to their lives, liberties, and estates, there lacks reliable protection of these rights from others. Therefore, people enter into societies to protect these rights, and the purpose of a legitimate government is to provide this protection.
I found these ideas to be very thought-provoking. It’s interesting to see how different modern political movements were influenced by his thought, and to consider how valid it is to the present world.
Overall, I thought it was a great read (especially the second!) and an essential for anyone interested in the intellectual foundations of our modern system of government!