The Second Treatise of Government and A Letter Concerning TolerationA highly influential figure in the Age of Enlightenment in England and France, whose works helped inspire the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, John Locke was one of the most important political theorists in Western history. In The Second Treatise of Government, a major contribution to the principles underlying modern democracies, he achieved two objectives: refuting the concept of the divine right of monarchy, and establishing a theory of government based on the ultimate sovereignty of the people. In A Letter Concerning Toleration, composed as early as 1667 but not published for political reasons until 1689 — after the "Glorious Revolution" — Locke pleaded for religious tolerance on grounds similar to his argument for political freedom, i.e., that all men are by nature "free, equal, and independent," and are entitled to freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and freedom of worship. To help guarantee the latter freedom, Locke called for separation of church and state. The basis of social and political philosophy for generations, these works laid the foundation of the modern democratic state in England and abroad. Their enduring importance makes them essential reading for students of philosophy, history, and political science. |
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1st edition reads 2nd edition absolute monarchy added in collected Altered in collected amongst appeal arbitrary power assemblies authority belong body bound Christian church civil society collected edition command common commonwealth compact conqueror consent dominion Earlier editions read earth ecclesiastical Edith Wharton enter into society ernment executive power faith father force form of government freedom give hands hath idolatry injury Jephtha judge king kingdom labour land law of nature legislative power Letter Concerning Toleration liberty lives magistrate magistrate’s man’s men’s ment monarchy necessary obedience obligation offender parents peace person political society positive laws possession prerogative preservation pretence prince punish reason religion rule rulers salvation sect secure souls standing laws supposed supreme power sword thereby things tion tis plain toleration Treatise of Government trust unto violence whatsoever wherein whilst worship