Two Treatises of Government (or Two Treatises of Government: In the Former, The False Principles, and Foundation of Sir Robert Filmer, and His Followers, Are Detected and Overthrown. The Latter Is an Essay Concerning The True Original, Extent, and End of Civil Government) is a work of political philosophy published anonymously in 1689 by John Locke. The First Treatise attacks patriarchalism in the form of sentence-by-sentence refutation of Robert Filmer's Patriarcha, while the Second Treatise outlines Locke's ideas for a more civilized society based on natural rights and contract theory. Locke's influence during the American Revolutionary period was certainly foundational. It is easy to point to specific instances of Locke's Two Treatises being invoked; the extent of the acceptance of Locke's ideals and the role they played in the American Revolution are extremely clear. The Two Treatises are echoed in phrases in the Declaration of Independence and writings by Samuel Adams that attempted to gain support for the rebellion.
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write a review.
For users with print-disabilities