Second Treatise on Government

Delve into the cornerstone of political philosophy with John Locke’s “Second Treatise on Government.” Written during the tumultuous period of the late 17th century, Locke’s work remains an influential and enduring exploration of the foundations of political authority and the social contract. In this seminal treatise, Locke grapples with the nature of government, individual rights, and the legitimacy of political power. He posits that political authority arises from the consent of the governed, challenging prevailing notions of divine right. Locke asserts that individuals, in a state of nature, possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property. This concept profoundly influenced the development of modern democratic thought. Locke’s ideas laid the groundwork for the American and French Revolutions, shaping the trajectory of democratic governance. His arguments continue to resonate in contemporary discussions on the relationship between citizens and the state. “Second Treatise on Government” invites readers to contemplate fundamental questions about the origins and purpose of political authority. Locke’s lucid prose and compelling arguments make this work an essential read for anyone interested in the philosophical underpinnings of government and individual rights. As you engage with Locke’s ideas, you embark on a journey into the intellectual landscape that helped shape the democratic ideals we hold today. Published anonymously in 1689, The Second Treastise on Government is an instrumental literary work of political philosophy written by John Locke. John Locke is regarded as one of the most influential political philosophers of all time and is commonly referred to as “The Father of Liberalism”. Following The First Treastise, John Locke describes what a more civilized society based on natural rights and contract theory would look like. The book begins with a representation of the state of nature, where individuals do not obey one another because they are obligated, but because they can each themselves assess what the law of nature requires. Praised as a classic in political philosophy, The Second Treastise is an essential read for the study of political science and philosophy. While immersed in the political realities of the 17th century, the ideas Locke discusses were extremely influential before the Enlightenment Era and continue to be the foundation for political theory today.