The Second Treatise of Government is a political treatise written by English philosopher John Locke. It was published in 1689 and is considered one of the most influential works of political philosophy in the Western world. The treatise begins with the premise that all humans are equal and have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Locke argues that these rights are fundamental and that they cannot be taken away by any legitimate government. He goes on to state that the purpose of government is to protect these rights and that any government that fails to do so can be overthrown by the people. Locke's treatise is also notable for its theory of property. He argues that individuals have the right to acquire property through their own labor and that this property should be protected by the government. He further states that the accumulation of property is beneficial to society, as it encourages individuals to work hard and be productive. The Second Treatise of Government was influential in the development of democratic theory and the formation of the United States. It helped to establish the idea of natural rights and popular sovereignty, and it influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Overall, the Second Treatise of Government is a powerful argument for individual liberty and limited government, and it remains an important work in the history of political philosophy.
John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher and political theorist who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the Enlightenment period. He was born in Somerset, England, and studied at Christ Church, Oxford, where he developed an interest in medicine and the natural sciences. Locke's major contributions to philosophy include his theory of knowledge, which he presented in his Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1689). In this work, he argued that all knowledge comes from experience, and that there are no innate ideas or principles. He also advocated for the separation of church and state, and for individual liberty and religious tolerance. Locke's most influential political work is the Two Treatises of Government (1690), in which he defended the idea of limited government and the natural rights of individuals. He argued that the purpose of government was to protect people's rights to life, liberty, and property, and that people had the right to overthrow governments that failed to do so. Locke's ideas were highly influential in the development of modern liberalism and democracy. They also had a profound impact on the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. His works continue to be studied and debated by scholars and students of philosophy, politics, and history around the world.
