6. Two Treatises of Government

Date:1690
Nationality: English
Author: John Locke
Medium: Text

John Locke was an English philosopher who, again according to Strong and Davis, is known as the "'forefather of our forefathers,'" because his ideas were so central to the Declaration of Independence (to be discussed).  He was known for his intellectual questioning and writing, and he was even considered the leader of the Age of Enlightenment in England.  His work, Two Treatises of Government, laid the basis for a constitutional or limited monarchy.  His ideas were first well implemented with the rule of William and Mary following the Glorious revolution. In summary, he felt that governments were under a "social contract" with the people, to only protect their life, liberty, and property.  If a government did more or less than this, they violated their contract and deserved to be overthrown.  This was in great contrast to the law of absolute monarchs previous to this.  So, when faced with such concepts of absolute monarchy, Locke questioned the legitimacy and fairness of such leadership, and he decided he did not like it.  He was forced to flee England for a time, because his ideas were so controversial.  However, upon William and Mary's ascension to the throne, he returned with honor.  I would bring his Two Treatises of Government, because he showed such courage in the face of opposition.  Additionally, I think he showed some intuition as well as reason in determining these aspects.  His experience taught him empirically that absolute monarchies were inherently unfair and unjust.  He applied this knowledge and understanding to write this highly influential masterpiece.  His ideas were so influential that they are intended to guide our government in the United States today.  Hopefully our civilization could learn from this, that when we see injustice, we are not to just accept our fate.  We should look for another solution, we should change the status quo.