Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government Study Guide

John Locke: A Concise Biography

John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers and commonly known as the "Father of Liberalism." He was born in Wrington, Somerset, and educated at the prestigious Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. Locke's work covered a wide range of disciplines including philosophy, political theory, education, and medicine. He is best known for his contributions to the development of liberal political philosophy, particularly through his works "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" (1689) and "Two Treatises of Government" (1689).

Historical and Literary Context of Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government

The "Second Treatise on Civil Government" is part of Locke's "Two Treatises of Government," published anonymously in 1689. The historical context of this work is critical to understanding its significance. The late 17th century in England was a period marked by political turbulence, including the English Civil War (1642-1651), the execution of King Charles I, the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, and the eventual restoration of the monarchy with Charles II.

The Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne, was a crucial backdrop for Locke's writing. This revolution established a constitutional monarchy and significantly limited the powers of the monarchy, reinforcing the rule of law and parliamentary sovereignty.

Locke's "Second Treatise" was a direct response to the political ideologies of absolute sovereignty and divine right of kings, which were championed by theorists like Robert Filmer in his work "Patriarcha." Locke instead argued for a government based on the social contract and the protection of natural rights, including life, liberty, and property. His treatise outlined the justification for the overthrow of a government that fails to protect these rights, significantly influencing the development of modern democratic thought and later political documents, such as the American Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

In literary terms, Locke's clear and systematic prose made complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience, thereby shaping the intellectual landscape of the Enlightenment and beyond. His emphasis on reason, empirical evidence, and individual rights exemplified the era’s shift towards humanism and rationalism, contributing to the broader movement of Enlightenment that sought to challenge traditional authority and promote intellectual and political freedom.

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