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Second Treatise of the Government summary
John Locke
An Essay Concerning the True Origin, Extent and End of Civil Government
15 mins
Brief summary
Second Treatise Of The Government by John Locke is a foundational work in political philosophy, discussing individual rights, property, and the social contract.
Table of Contents
Second Treatise of the Government
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
In the state of nature, we have absolute freedom and the right to protect ourselves and our property.
Imagine waking up in a society where there are no government institutions and no laws.
Such a state is what political philosophers call the state of nature.
In the state of nature, all people are free and equal; there is no person or authority that holds power over you – no one to tell you to pay your taxes or parking tickets.
What’s more, everyone in a state of nature follows the same laws, namely the laws of nature, a code of ethics granted by God which is – through human reason – inherent in each of us.
It is this law which tells us not to harm others, and to preserve ourselves and the rest of humankind. In this sense, therefore, all people are free and equal.
Given that we may preserve ourselves in a state of nature, we must also have the right to defend ourselves. In a state of nature, as in any other social constellation, there will necessarily be people who inflict harm on others, such as through theft or violence.
We have the right to defend ourselves and our property against these individuals.
However, in defending ourselves, we must still act reasonably. This means that we may only punish others to get reparation for our losses and to deter offenders from future crimes, without being heavy-handed.
For example, if someone stole your banana from the lunch room refrigerator, in a state of nature, you would be allowed to both take the banana back and demand a cookie as reparation.
Furthermore, you might punish the thief by taking three more cookies from him, to deter him from committing further crimes. However, it would be unreasonable for you to beat or murder him – no matter how delicious or precious that banana was.
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What is Second Treatise of the Government about?
Locke’s Second Treatise offers an in-depth analysis on the origin of our right to liberty and the rights of governments. It shows how, by respecting the laws of nature, we can limit the power of government to best protect ourselves and our property from destruction or worse, tyranny.
Second Treatise of the Government Review
Second Treatise Of The Government (1689) by John Locke explores the foundations of political power and individual rights. Here's why this book is essential reading:
Delve into the origins of modern political thought with Second Treatise Of The Government.
- It presents groundbreaking ideas that have shaped modern democracy and political philosophy.
- The book provides a thought-provoking analysis of property rights, government authority, and the social contract.
- Its timeless principles remain relevant today, offering valuable insights into contemporary political debates.
Delve into the origins of modern political thought with Second Treatise Of The Government.
Best quote from Second Treatise of the Government
Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions.
—John Locke
Who should read Second Treatise of the Government?
- Anybody interested in politics
- Anybody interested in the history of ideas and philosophy
- Anybody interested in the foundations of liberalism and democracy
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Second Treatise of the Government FAQs
What is the main message of Second Treatise Of The Government?
Second Treatise Of The Government argues for individual rights, limited government, and the social contract as key elements of political power.
How long does it take to read Second Treatise Of The Government?
Reading Second Treatise Of The Government typically takes around 6 hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Second Treatise Of The Government a good book? Is it worth reading?
Second Treatise Of The Government is a highly influential work in political philosophy, offering timeless insights into democracy and individual rights.
Who is the author of Second Treatise Of The Government?
The author of Second Treatise Of The Government is John Locke.
How many chapters are in Second Treatise Of The Government?
Second Treatise Of The Government by John Locke has 19 chapters.
- Introduction
- Of the State of Nature
- Of the State of War
- Of Slavery
- Of Property
- Of Paternal Power
- Of Political or Civil Society
- Of the Beginning of Political Societies
- Of the Ends of Political Society and Government
- Of the Forms of a Commonwealth
- Of the Extent of the Legislative Power
- Of the Legislative, Executive, and Federative Power of the Commonwealth
- Of the Subordination of the Powers of the Commonwealth
- Of Prerogative
- Of Paternal, Political, and Despotical Power, Considered Together
- Of Conquest
- Of Usurpation
- Of Tyranny
- Of the Dissolution of Government
How many pages are in Second Treatise Of The Government?
Second Treatise Of The Government has approximately 176 pages.
When was Second Treatise Of The Government published?
Second Treatise Of The Government was published in 1689.
What to read after Second Treatise of the Government?
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