Locke on Government, Property, and Toleration

This episode delves into the foundational political thought of John Locke, exploring excerpts from his influential works, *Two Treatises of Government* and *A Letter Concerning Toleration*. Published together in a Yale University Press volume, these writings have endured for over three centuries, translated into major languages, and remain central to modern Western political argument.

We begin with the **First Treatise**, where Locke systematically refutes Sir Robert Filmer's patriarchal theory of absolute monarchy and divine right. Filmer contended that all authority originates from Adam's absolute paternal power, inherited by kings, and that men are not born free but as slaves. Locke challenges this by arguing against Adam's supposed absolute sovereignty by creation, donation, or fatherhood, asserting that dominion over creatures was given to all mankind, not Adam alone. He also disputes the idea that begetting children grants fathers absolute power, emphasizing God as the giver of life and the equal duty owed to both father and mother in the command to honor parents. Locke demonstrates the lack of clear succession rules for Adam's heir in Filmer's system, which undermines the idea of inherited monarchy.

Moving to the **Second Treatise**, Locke builds his constructive political theory. He distinguishes political power from other forms, such as that of a father over children or a master over servants or slaves. Locke posits a state of nature where men are naturally free and equal, governed by the law of nature. He explains property rights, particularly in land, as acquired through labor mixed with the common, arguing this increases the common stock of mankind. Legitimate government, for Locke, arises from the consent of individuals who join together to protect their lives, liberties, and estates – their "property" in a broad sense. He outlines the structure of civil government, including legislative, executive, and federative powers, and discusses prerogative power used for the public good. Crucially, Locke argues that tyranny, where rulers act outside the law or against the public good, dissolves the government and justifies the people's right to resist. The sources discuss Locke's view on **majority rule** as the foundation of institutional legitimacy, enabling a community to act as one body despite differences of opinion.

The episode also explores **A Letter Concerning Toleration**, where Locke argues for the necessity and advantages of religious toleration. He insists on a strict distinction between the business of civil government and that of religion, arguing that the magistrate's power is limited to civil interests and cannot extend to coercing religious belief, which is an inward persuasion not subject to force. Toleration should extend to all whose doctrines are peaceable and whose manners are blameless, allowing different forms of worship. However, Locke drew lines, notably excluding atheists and those he saw as giving allegiance to a foreign power (like Catholics, in his context), linking acceptable belief to compatibility with political order.

The included essays provide valuable context, discussing the long-debated dating of *Two Treatises* to the Exclusion Crisis rather than the Glorious Revolution, Locke's relationship with Lord Shaftesbury, his influence on later thought including the American Revolution, and contemporary interpretations of his ideas, including his stance on women and the family and his democratic theory. Locke's complexity as a figure who bridges modern and premodern concerns is also highlighted.

Laslett, Peter, editor. John Locke, Two Treatises of Government. Cambridge University Press, 1988.

Shapiro, Ian, editor. John Locke - Two Treatises of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration. Yale University Press, 2003.