HSTEU 302 Wk II Discussion of Locke, Second Treatise of Government

Reading:  Locke’s Second Treatise, Peardon edition Intro, pp. vii-xxii
                For discussion focus on Chap. I-IX, pp. 3-73,
                       then Chap XVI-XIX, 99-129; espec. last Chap. XIX 119-129
             Palmer & Colton, Ch 7, #35, pp. 290 ff. on Hobbes & Locke
             See also lecture outline on Locke Week II

JOHN LOCKE (1643-1704)
    son of Puritan lawyer; physician to Earl of Shaftesbury, exile 1683
     represents interests of English landed gentry

CONTEXT:
     Whig “exclusionist” effort to keep James II and his son from succession,
    Treatises written in 1680's, published in 1689, after Glorious Revolution of 1688

First Treatise of Government -- against Filmer
     limits on power of fathers: seen in role of women and children
      fathers share power over children with the mother;
      child has independent property rights at majority ;
      parental obligations: forfeits power if lack of care for child

Second Treatise of Government --against Hobbes      

What is Locke’s “state of nature” like?”  (Chap. II)
       Compare it to Hobbes’ version – similarities & differences?
What is Locke’s basic view of human nature?

What does Locke mean by the “law of nature”?   (Chap. II)
        Who enforces this law?
What causes a “state of war” to occur?  (Chap. III)

How does property arise?  (Chap. V)
       Is property natural?     Are there “natural” limits on property?
       How does Locke explain inequality of property?

Why does Locke reject the idea that state power is of paternal origin?  (Ch. VI)
       Note the role of women & children in this part of his argument.

What kinds of agreements, contracts or “compacts” precede government?  (Ch. VII)
        What constitutes political or civil society?
        What is the relationship of an absolute monarch to his subjects? 
                    Is it “political” in Locke’s sense?

How does Locke deal with the fact that most governments have been monarchies? (Ch. VIII)
Note p. 65, line 1 reference to jure divino = by divine right: when did this theory emerge?
What constitutes “tacit consent” to government?

What are the goals or purposes (“ends”) of government?  (Ch IX)

How and when can a government be dissolved?  (Ch XIX)
       What is the difference between civil society and political society?

General questions:

What rights do men have prior to the formation of a government or political society?

How does Locke use the image of America in his argument?

What is the significance of Lockes’ biblical references? 
        Is his argument a religious one or is it basically secular?

Do you see any references to the Stuart kings in Locke’s discussion?
What gives men the right to remake a government (i.e. revolution)?