Revolution in John Locke’s Philosophy: The Two Treatises of Government

Abstract

John Locke's philosophy, as argued by Graham A. J. Rogers (Oct 24, 2024), represents a pivotal shift in Enlightenment thought, emphasizing individual rights, empiricism, and the social contract (Britannica). His revolutionary ideas challenge the divine right of kings and advocate for government as a protector of life, liberty, and property. Locke's Two Treatises of Government is a foundational text in political philosophy that articulates a revolutionary framework for understanding government and individual rights. In the first treatise, Locke critiques the divine right of kings, arguing against the notion that monarchs possess inherent divine authority over their subjects. In the second treatise, Locke outlines his vision of a civil society formed through a social contract, where individuals consent to surrender some freedoms in exchange for the protection of their fundamental rights by a government. He argues that if a government fails to uphold these rights or acts against the interests of its citizens, the people have the right to revolt and establish a new government. This philosophical revolution has had a profound and lasting impact on the development of modern political thought, particularly in the context of revolutions, constitutions, human rights, and the establishment of liberal democracies.