Of Civil Government [two Treatises]

Viac o knihe

This beautifully formatted collection of treatises on Civil Government by John Locke features an Active Table of Contents for easy navigation. Published anonymously in 1689, Locke’s work is a cornerstone of political philosophy. The First Treatise critiques patriarchalism through a detailed refutation of Robert Filmer's Patriarcha, while the Second Treatise presents Locke's vision for a civilized society founded on natural rights and contract theory. This publication contrasts Locke's earlier, unpublished work, Two Tracts on Government, which defended a conservative stance. In 1669, he co-authored the Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina, supporting aristocracy, slavery, and serfdom. The backdrop of Locke's writing includes the Glorious Revolution of 1688, when King James II was overthrown, leading to William III's ascension. Locke claims in the "Preface" that his work justifies this transition, though Peter Laslett suggests it was largely completed between 1679–1680 and revised until Locke's exile in 1683. During the Exclusion Crisis, Locke's mentor, Anthony Ashley-Cooper, introduced a bill to prevent James II's rule, which ultimately failed. Richard Ashcraft argues against the revolutionary interpretation of Locke's work, suggesting it aligns more with the Rye House Plot conspiracies. Aware of the risks, Locke never publicly acknowledged his authorship.