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The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Philosophy / General; Philosophy / Epistemology; Philosophy / History ... Read more

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Among the most influential writings in the history of Western political thought, John Locke's Two Treatises of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration remain vital to political debates today, more than three centuries after they were written. The complete texts appear in this volume, accompanied by interpretive essays by three prominent Locke scholars.Ian Shapiro's introduction places Locke's political writings in historical and biographical context. John Dunn explores both the intellectual context in which Locke wrote the Two Treatises of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration and the major interpretive controversies surrounding their meaning. Ruth Grant offers a comprehensive discussion of Locke's views on women and the family, and Shapiro contributes an essay on the democratic elements of Locke's political theory. Taken together, the texts and essays in this volume offer invaluable insights into the history of ideas and the enduring influence of Locke's political thought. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Mandatory reading
Locke's book should be required reading for all high school students.He writes about how our government was meant to work.

Much to be thankful for
An amazing intellectual honesty and courageous spirit John Locke had. This book should be read with context of time period in mind. John Locke is more appreciative and thoughtful of the independence of man than many are today- those who are independent and free because of men like John Locke. Perhaps, some will argue that his theories were incomplete or not tolerable enough, but the man is a major contributor to the Englightenment. There is much to be thankful for.

The first treatise is a response to Robert Filmer's "Patriarcha". Filmer was a monarchist who strongly believed that Scripture proved that authoritarianism was natural and patriarchy its vessel- following the line of Adam. Locke strongly reputes Filmer's reasoning. The first treatise can be summed up on page 77: "And there would be an end of all civil government, if the assignment of civil power were by divine institution to the heir, and yet by that divine institution the person of the heir could not be known. This paternal regal power being by divine right only his, it leaves no room for human prudence, or consent, to place it any where else; for if only one man hath a divine right to the obedience of mankind, nobody can claim that obedience but he that can show that right; nor can men's consciences by any other pretence be obliged to it. And thus this doctrine cuts up all government by the roots."

The second treatise is Locke's argument for civil government of the people- not monarchy. He strongly argues in defense of the individual, property rights, freedom of conscience, man's equality, ending status quo, elected representation, and much more. He makes a strong case for what he believes is the purpose of government and how those governments should avoid arbitrary power. Having studied Thomas Jefferson, it is obvious that Jefferson invested much stock in Locke's ideas. He parallels Locke in many ways.

"A Letter Concerning Toleration" would benefit many Christians and non-Christians. In fact, Christopher Hitchens could have saved himself some time and a book- "God is Not Great"- had he read John Locke's response that ironically was written 300 years prior to Hitchens' criticism. Due to time and space- I could go on in details about what a wonderful piece of literature I believe this to be- but I will spare the reader.

There are 3 essays at the end of Locke's letters. The first, written by John Dunn, who obviously has the hots for 4 syllable words and plugging fellow historians. The second, by Ruth Grant, who seems a tad bitter and unappreciative that Locke didn't go far enough with women's liberation. I suppose he was too busy with that whole dismantling the monarchy thing. The third, by Ian Shapiro who gives a fair and enjoyable summation of Locke's views on Democracy.

This EDITION
Why review Locke himself?

This is the edition to get, regardless of the fact that you may only need to read the second treatise for most classes.The print is somewhat small but not blinding, the book is sturdy and will stand up to abuse, and like another reviewer stated it is well formatted and organized.

Where this book really shines is in the 3 essays provided, all from highly competent and recognized scholars.Ruth Grant's essay "Locke on Women and The Family" is by far the best, and her analysis of how we fairly and unfairly impose modern questions on historical figures is instructive far past the single case of John Locke.John Dunn's essay is a bit obtuse and convoluted but provides a fascinating look at Lockean scholarship in perspective, while Shapiro's essay is the least captivating but perhaps the most important, as it attempts to distinguish just how much (or poignantly little) Locke actually had to say about democracy and majority rule.

Don't waste your time with a 2 dollar paperback edition; treat your brain to the feast presented in this fine piece of an academic edition.

This is one well organized book.
I will try to avoid getting involved in the heated debate that the two previous reviewers wrapped themselves in. Instead I will focus my attention on giving my opinion pertaining to the quality of Ian Shapiro's work. The book itself is laid out beautifully. As a poli-sci student it is a blessing to have such a well laid out book to use in my studies. The choice of font only serves to amplify the intensity of Locke's ideas. Ideas that inevitably shaped the society we live in today. If you are studying the works of this man, or just reading for leisure don't hesitate to read this version, you will not be disappointed.

Most Representative Thinker in Anglo-American Tradition
John Locke (1632-1704) wrote "Second Treatise of Government" in 1690, it was the main political philosophical source that our "Founding Fathers" went to in writing the "Declaration of Independence" and in forming our government.I think you should know something of Locke to understand what influenced his thinking.His father was a small landowner, attorney, Puritan and his political sympathies were with the Cromwell Parliament.Like Hobbes, Locke attended Oxford Univ. and did not think much about the curriculum or his professors.Most of his education came from reading books in the Univ. library.Renee Descartes and Sir Isaac Newton's writings greatly influenced Locke.Like Hobbes, he took a tutoring job teaching the son of the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, and traveled Europe.His friendship with the Earl was beneficial in obtaining government appointments.During the political unrest in England, (1679-83) he fled to Holland because his liberal notions put him at odds with the government.

Locke writes the "Second Treatise of Government" to justify the Revolt of 1688 and the ascension of William of Orange to the English throne.The book argues against two lines of absolutist ideas.The first is Sir Robert Filmer's "patriarchal theory of divine right of kings; secondly, Hobbes argument for the sovereign's absolute power in his book "Leviathan."Locke argues that government emanates from the people.Locke's treatise rests like other political writings on its interpretation of human nature.He sees our nature opposite the way Hobbes did, decent and not as selfish or competitive.Man is more inclined to join society through reason and not fear.Man prefers stability to change.

His very important contribution to "law of nature" theory was his bias toward individualism.In state of nature, before government, men were free independent, equal enjoying inalienable rights "chief among them being life, liberty, and property."Where have you read that before?Property rights receive much attention in this treatise.Locke argues that government based on consent of man can still preserve freedom independence and equality.

His political writing had immediate influence in the world and influenced our founding fathers in their struggle against tyranny.He is an excellent writer and his theories are easy to understand by the laymen.As a graduate student of political philosophy, I recommend if you have an interest in politics, philosophy, or government then you must read Locke's "Second Treatise of Government"
... Read more

Product Description
Two Treatises of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration, written by legendary author John Locke, is widely considered to be two of the greatest classic texts of all time. These great classics will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, Two Treatises of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration are required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, these gems by John Locke are highly recommended. Published by Classic Books International and beautifully produced, Two Treatises of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK
This copy of "Two Treatises of Government & A Letter Concerning Toleration" is NOT and I repeat NOT the actual "Two Treatises," but is only the Second Treatise - those looking for both treatises - as the title suggests - will be disappointed. In short, HALF the book is missing.

excellent book
Locke is required reading for anyone who wants to learn about political thought during the revolutionary period.

Well worth the read and purchase.

Great for History classes
This is a great book for teaching U.S. History classes, using it as a reference for teaching, or just for reading.

DONT BE SCARED! Locke for non-scholars
I'm no genius. A pedant, perhaps, and an arrogant jerk, but not a guy with the kind of education it seems other reviewers have. I can't tell you who Locke's friends were or what his political connections were, either. I have some vague notion that Locke's and Mill's ideas influenced the philisophical basis of the American founding documents, but I'm just a soldier who sometimes likes to bite off more than he can chew--I wan't to know the stuff them smart people do, and don't see any reason I shouldn't!

So if you're like me, let me encourage you to get this book. Your friends will almost certainly call you a nerd (after all, who reads 17th century political philosophy for FUN?), and it'll take a few pages to cut your teeth on the language, but after you get going, this book is a breeze. I can't tell you the philisophical doctrines nor their framework in several distinct points, but I can tell you this: the language, to one of average education, was a little hard to wrap my brain around, but what worked for me was just to set a pace and trudge through it without getting hung up on the one sentence that twisted my mind into a pretzel. After a few pages (maybe 10 or 15) I found that my brain was correcting for the nature of the wording, and for the rest of the book, I swear, I understood what was going on through the second treatise and the Letter, too.

After I got going, I was all highlighters and folded corners, but it had too many profound and simple statements to save them all in my head. If you're even vaguely political, this book will make points as absolutely applicable to today's world politics as it did to those of the bygone time. It applies from everything from the crazy long haired hippie communist democrats to the crazy power-mad Neocons, but it'll make you wish with all your heart that both ruling parties of American Government would give it a quick read over the recess.

Anyhow, I rate this work as 4 stars out of 5. Mostly that's because I have absolutely nothing to compare it against, and am therefore hesitant to give it 5 stars, because it's the first political philosophy I've ever read. But dammit, it seems like a pretty good one to me. Just don't let it scare you off, you don't need to be a genious to understand this. Let's even the playing field between us regular people and the academic jerks (love you guys, really, just making a point) that like to write reviews even Locke wouldn't understand :) This stuff is great, and it's great for even those who, like me, are only moderately intelligent readers. ... Read more

Product Description
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government, originally published anonymously, is a work of political philosophy that begins by attacking patriarchalism, specifically that of Robert Filmer's Patriarcha. Having aptly refuted patriarchalism, a competing contemporary theory of his time, Locke moves on to outline an ideal theory of politics and society that responds to the political theory of Thomas Hobbes, another contemporary. Both Hobbes and Locke agree that the state of nature is one of chaos and competition; Locke moves on to outline the way in which we bring order to this state of nature through certain nature rights and contracts to each other. These essays form the body of work that contributed to Locke's status as a figure ahead among political theorists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Simply Perfect!
This came right on time, on a 2 day devilery!Now that's a seller one can trust!The book came in securely packaged, safe, clean, no missing pages, no markings, no bended pages, just as promised! The book was in new like, wonderfuly condition, this is a great seller!

Essential Reading
John Locke is clearly one of the greatest political philosophers ever and the Two Treatises show why.Natural Rights, Origin of Property, State of Nature, State of War, Law, Role of Good Government it is all here and described beautifully.There is no doubt the founders were clearly influenced by John Locke, Thomas Jefferson said the 3 greatest influences on him were Sir Isaac Newton, John Locke, and Francis Bacon.This book, The Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers are classics that are never out of date.

Modern Liberals spurn their heritage and have devolved into socialism and communism but once upon a time Liberalism wasn't a dirty word however it is now up to Conservatives to carry the mantle of Liberty since Modern Liberals have abandoned it.To do that though Conservatives need to read this work.The fight for Liberty is never over equality of outcomes, complacency, laziness, and tyranny all fight against it but they will all fail against an educated populous who do not fall prey to the siren song of nihilism, relativism, and despotism.

Not as advertised
I ordered this for my kindle, but didn't get the Cambridge edition advertised, but a different, simpler mobi edition.The text is riddled with typos, which makes it difficult to read in places.On the other hand, you do get the Two Treatises for .99 cents.

#11 The primer of natural law and private property!
This is the primer of natural law and private property. John Locke was read by almost everyone in America in the 1700s including all the founding fathers, which by the way was one of the most literate periods in history! Way more so than today with our public (Socialist) schooling system.

Review of Laslett's 'Two Treatises'
I'm a bit torn on this edition of Locke. On the one hand, it begins with an excellent and extensive introduction speaking to Locke's biography and political theory. There is even a theory that directly relates the works to Hobbes. Further, the text is supplemented by clear and copious footnotes.

However, because Laslett decided to keep faith with the original printing, the text is filled with awkward, archaic spelling, punctuation and patterns in capitalization. This only adds to an already difficult language of the 'Treatises.'

So, again, great introduction and footnotes, but a transparent presentation of the original writing detracts from this otherwise fantastic edition. ... Read more

Product Description
No other series of classic texts achieves the editorial standard of the Norton Critical Editions. Each volume combines the most authoritative text available with contextual and critical materials that bring the work to life for students. Careful editing, first-rate translation, thorough explanatory annotations, chronologies, and selected bibliographies make each text accessible to students while encouraging in-depth study. Each volume in the series is printed on acid-free paper, and every text remains in print. Norton Critical Editions are the choice of excellence for scholarship for students at more than 2,500 colleges and universities worldwide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Most Representative Thinker in Anglo-American Tradition
I read this book for a graduate class on political philosophy. I love Norton Critical Edition's for all their insightful commentary.

John Locke (1632-1704) wrote "Second Treatise of Government" in 1690, it was the main political philosophical source that our "Founding Fathers" went to in writing the "Declaration of Independence" and in forming our government. I think you should know something of Locke to understand what influenced his thinking. His father was a small landowner, attorney, Puritan and his political sympathies were with the Cromwell Parliament. Like Hobbes, Locke attended Oxford Univ. and did not think much about the curriculum or his professors. Most of his education came from reading books in the Univ. library. Renee Descartes and Sir Isaac Newton's writings greatly influenced Locke. Like Hobbes, he took a tutoring job teaching the son of the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, and traveled Europe. His friendship with the Earl was beneficial in obtaining government appointments. During the political unrest in England, (1679-83) he fled to Holland because his liberal notions put him at odds with the government.

Locke writes the "Second Treatise of Government" to justify the Revolt of 1688 and the ascension of William of Orange to the English throne. The book argues against two lines of absolutist ideas. The first is Sir Robert Filmer's "patriarchal theory of divine right of kings; secondly, Hobbes argument for the sovereign's absolute power in his book "Leviathan." Locke argues that government emanates from the people. Locke's treatise rests like other political writings on its interpretation of human nature. He sees our nature opposite the way Hobbes did, decent and not as selfish or competitive. Man is more inclined to join society through reason and not fear. Man prefers stability to change.

His very important contribution to "law of nature" theory was his bias toward individualism. In state of nature, before government, men were free independent, equal enjoying inalienable rights "chief among them being life, liberty, and property." Where have you read that before? Property rights receive much attention in this treatise. Locke argues that government based on consent of man can still preserve freedom independence and equality.

His political writing had immediate influence in the world and influenced our founding fathers in their struggle against tyranny. He is an excellent writer and his theories are easy to understand by the laymen. As a graduate student of political philosophy, I recommend if you have an interest in politics, philosophy, or government then you must read Locke's "Second Treatise of Government"

A Table of Contents would be helpful
Locke's work remains of enduring value. The accompanying academic writings are incisive, providing a variety of perspectives from different theoretical biases. This comprehensive work offers the solid base for a mature appreciation of Locke's accomplishments and weaknesses.

That said, the book suffers from two grievous flaws. First, the font is exceptionally small; get high-powered reading glasses. Second, and more damning -- especially for a compendium, there is no table of contents. This reflects poorly upon the publisher. For those reasons, I knock off the stars.

Content - 5 stars
Presentation - 2 stars

He defines what it means to be civilized!
John Locke has more influence on Western political culture than just providing Jefferson with his ideas and words for the Declaration of independence.Through his writings, particularly through his Second Treatise and Social Contract, he defines what it means to be civilized.

Combatants and non-combatants, criminals and soldiers, he presents a clarity that is missing in today's political world.If only our political leaders, and members of the press would read Locke . . there would be less ambiguity on who is and who is not deserving of our attention.As an example, non-combatants have never given their permission to be a potential target, and anyone not respecting this fact is a criminal.Period.

Some of his writings may no longer be relevant, such as his arguments against divine rights of kings, and he may be too idealistic in his expectations that people will only take what they need, but he was writing over 300 years ago, within a political climate quite different than at the present time, and at least some of his remarks should be placed in this perspective.
... Read more

Product Description
This book brings together a comprehensive collection of the writings of one of the greatest philosophers in the Western tradition. Along with five of John Locke's major essays, seventy shorter essays are included that stand outside the canonical works that Locke published during his lifetime. For the first time students will be able to fully explore the evolution of Locke's ideas concerning the philosophical foundations of morality and sociability, the boundary of church and state, the shaping of constitutions, and the conduct of government and public policy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

True Meaning of Separation of Church and State
Want to know how perverted the meaning of the term "separation of church and state..." has become, it's in this book. John Locke's poignant philosophical explanations of the inter-relation between natural and civil law,the limits of church and government authority and more, written in the 17th century are a refreshing rather than antiquated reminder of what "good governance" really means to a free people. ... Read more

Product Description
A Letter Concerning Toleration is the empiricist John Locke's argument for the separation of religion and government. The letter asserts that only those churches allowing toleration should be present in society, for only then will unrest be quelled. Although Locke wrote in reaction to the ubiquitous control of the Catholic Church, his concerns continue to be valid and his arguments worthy of study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Sadly, still Relavent.
This little book by John Locke, is concerned with religious toleration which was the first step in the general concept of toleration. Sadly, although obviously outdated in its examples and style, its core element is still relevant in a world which undeniably has made great improvements on toleration, but is still influenced by superstition and fanaticism.
Read this little gem of human thought, and be a little more sceptical about the subject.

A Small Work of Literature, But a Big Step for Humanity
This short work written in 1689 is absolutely essential reading for anyone who supports modern democracies - and perhaps even more for people who don't. I wonder what would happen if, instead of dropping bombs on non-democratic countries, the West paraphrased Locke's "Letter" into a modern context, translated it into different languages, and dropped it in intolerant places around the world.

A fantasy, I know. But words are more powerful than force, and the "Letter Concerning Toleration" is one of the prime examples of that. It's an important foundation stone for free societies today, and it's a pity that so many people haven't read it.

The most important point of the book is the separation of church and state. It argues that they are two different domains that, if confused with one another, lead to various abuses and the loss both of justice and honest religion. They need to be separated in order to protect both.

Religion should always appeal to voluntary choice; the state makes laws and has to force people to comply. The realm of religion is mercy; the realm of the law is justice. Religion ought to forgive even the greatest criminals if they repent; the state, on the other hand, needs to punish where laws have been transgressed. Religion should turn the other cheek; the state has to protect its citizens by defending the country.

Of course, there are several issues in our own time that are not directly mentioned by Locke, such as the difference between religion and science, but overall the work has not lost its applicability. The dated language might throw some readers off, but reading it is still well worth the effort.

An Excellent Guide for our times.
An excellent book concerning religious toleration, civil society and Christian faith. Very pertinent to the 21st Century and the War on Terrorism, although Locke's standards need updating regarding religions and organized beliefs that must not be tolerated in civil societies.

Locke's works pass the test of time and must be read by students of government and political theory today.

Letter on Toleration
This should be given to every person walking into a church, synagogue, mosque, ect.This essayis a must read, especially in todays world with people coming into contact with different types of people daily!

Timeless Philosophy that pre-dated the great Revolutions.
The previous reviews leave little that needs to be added, especially from marquisburano.This is a great afternoon read that serves as a peek into the influence of our Founding Fathers as well as a glimse of the early ideas that led to the Revolutions.

There is only one thought to add that may be splitting hairs, but holds theoretical ramifications when one considers it.Locke describes in this book 'separation of state from the church'.Yes, he supposes individual freedom of expression of faith, but he views the institutions of faith as entities that can be proactive within the state.The split hair is that in a 'separation of church and state' (which actually is not stated in the Constitution) scenario, we arive at a benign faith community that exists exclusive (in theory) of the state.The first is a restriction only on the state to act on the church, the latter creates a duality for those of faith.

The author does not necessarily imply an opinion for either interpretation.The point made is that this book must be read with the eyes of the history in which it was written.Knowing the history is a great start, but you must also examine it hermaneutically to understand that Locke was arguing against England intermingling (understatement) with the Chruch, as many other authors since Henry VIII have done.

Read Locke, he is one of the masters of his time and our lives are affected by it daily. ... Read more

Product Description
Published in 1689, John Locke's pioneering investigation into the origins, certainty, and extent of human knowledge set the groundwork for modern philosophy and influenced psychology, literature, political theory, and other areas of human thought and expression. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Only to Be Used in Scholarly Research
The Nidditch edition of Locke's Essay is commonly considered the authoritative version of the text.This in mind, the Nidditch text is to be avoided for the beginner to Locke.This is not due to any oversights or editorial intrusion that corrupts the work.Considering Nidditch restored the text and avoided the common editorial tendency to use paragraph introductions for each section (which Locke did not), atop of not having to contend with translation liberties, it stands as the only scholarly edition of the work.However, because it is restored to its original state, one must remember that capitalization for any and all (deemed) pertinent terms or phrases was a common practice during Locke's time.As such, readers in the 21st century typically associate a capitalized letter (unless it is a proper name or title) with a new sentence, thus a new thought.Having to continuously reorganize one's thoughts to conform to Locke's now archaic prose style (which occurs anywhere from one to six or more times in a typical sentence) distracts from the overall content of the work.As such, the reader may be well advised to obtain another critical edition of the work and use the Nidditch text as a reference tool.

Outstanding work from a Giant of a Mind.
The most important book in the History of Western Philosophy.Anyone wishing to understand the western tradition will have to grapple with this work eventually.

Its not that Locke got everything right, but he does at least point us in the right direction. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a new edition of Locke's timeless classic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

At issue
John Locke, a political 'liberal' by definition in his day in the 17th century would be considered a 'constitutional libertarian' by today's standard. To call him a 'liberal' by today's standard vocabulary would invite a feast of historical revisionism to the table. Having read most every sentence written by Locke, More, Erasmus, most Tudorian Humanists, and Empiricists, I would say John Locke is easily the most profound influence on Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Given that I also have an original copy of his translation and commentary of the Greek New Testament is also a grave contradiction to the mysterious 'Description' here on Amazon.I will quote:

"Some maintain that religious fundamentalism, 'post-modernism', and socialism are today the only remaining ideological threats to liberalism.".

The only thing to be said for this is poppycock. Locke never said nor would he have ever stated such a phrase. It is rabid historical revisionist flotsam. Locke was no anti-religious bigot as most liberals are today. Not only was he well educated, he was a first hand respecter and translator of the Greek text of the Bible. Most liberals today have a near-impossible task of telling you what dialect of the Greek text Locke translated much less have they ever read so much as an English translation of the New Testament. A far cry from the intellectual superiority of ages past when faith was well-understood amoung the many universal subjects of importance to life and liberty.

Classic Locke
John Locke presents in "Second Treatise on Government," his theory of government which he believes is essential to promulgate "lest men fall into the dangerous belief that all government in the world is merely the product of force and violence."

Locke defines political power as, "a right of making laws with penalties of death, and consequently all less penalties, for the regulating and preserving of property, and of employing the force of the community, in the execution of such laws, and in the defense of the common-wealth from foreign injury; and all this only for the public good."In order to explain political power, Locke presents his theory of the state of nature.To better explain his thoughts on the state of nature, he argues that, basically, in a state of nature there is also a state of equality.Locke asserts that all men are created equal, and therefore, no person should violate another person's rights.Further, Locke argues that if a person should ever harm another, since as we are all equal doing so would essentially be harming ones self.

Liberty is a reccuring theme and prominently featured in Locke's writings.Locke asserts that liberty is the freedom to be governed exclusively by the laws of nature and by nothing and no one else.After reading this book, one might wonder what Locke's personal feelings were regarding such issues as the European slave trade and/ or the displacement and subsequent genocide of Native Americans Indians, which occurred during his lifetime.

A foundation for future political philosophies
In contrast to what was being claimed by the rulers of the time, John Locke taught that the purpose of government is to serve and benefit the people and that it should be controlled by the people for which the government was made. Although Locke's ideas are taken for granted in the United States as a basic right of the people today, and are virtually written into the Declaration of Independence, Locke's claim that people have the right to rebel against government was controversial when he wrote it. Second Treatise of Government served as a foundation for future political philosophies which are widely accepted today.

An important book in colonial times--and today
Any student of American history, particularly of the revolution and the formation of the Constitution, should read this book. It is a book that the revolutionaries themselves were well acquainted with, and formed the rational basis for justifying both the Revolution and the establishment of the Constitution.

Seminal
This is usually the third book you read in a Political Philosophy course after "The Republic" and the "Nichomachean Ethics".

Locke comes to an understanding of "society", "government", and "property", among a number of notions central to our way of life. Doing that, he's also justifying them, as they exist.He states better and more clearly than anyone else what it is we think these things are and why we should view them as good. I don't know if anyone is thought to have done these particular things any better. (I guess I'm saying that Hobbes, Rousseau, etc., did other things.)

Lots of good stuff written here on this. Just think it's worth pointing out that Locke's argument for man's leaving the state of nature and his argument for the establishment of property are notoriously inconsistent.

The "state of nature" is more rhetorical device or thought-experiment than historical description.Nonetheless, it is essential to the argument.

Oh well. Plato's dialogues often end in despair.

I wish more people knew political philosophy.It would raise the general level of discussion. People would spend less time monkeying demagogues, charlatans, and hucksters.

Good edition too. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Biography ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Worst Publishing Company EVER!!!FLEE!FLEE!
Books from this publisher are a horrible disappointment. Instead of photo-reproducing old and rare books they OCR the text. They do the worst OCR job imaginable! The texts are a total mess. Besides an enormous amount of misprints there are 'weird' section headings generated by the OCR equipment, NOT by the original book, which little rhyme or reason. The books are virtually useless. You'd be much better off using the Google books website or printing it off that sight yourself. Books with important notes are ruined and any multilanguage elements end up as misprinted garbled messes with English characters that in no way represent the original. It is beyond me as to why they would've even attempted such a piece of trash. A blind man could've typed a better job. There are warnings on the internet about this company[..] I wish I'd seen before ordering. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PUBLISHER! ... Read more

Product Description
This is the first comprehensive biography in half a century of John Locke -“a man of versatile mind, fitted for whatever you shall undertake”, as one of his many good friends very aptly described him. Against an exciting historical background of the English Civil War, religious intolerance and bigotry, anti-Government struggles and plots, and the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Roger Woolhouse interweaves the events of Locke's rather varied life with detailed expositions of his developing ideas in medicine, theory of knowledge, philosophy of science, political philosophy, philosophy of religion, and economics.Chronologically systematic in its coverage, this volume offers an account and explanation of Locke's ideas and their reception, while entering at large into the details of his private life of intimate friendships and warm companionship, and of the increasingly visible public life into which, despite himself, he was drawn - Oxford tutor, associate of Shaftesbury, dutiful civil servant.Based on broad research and many years' study of Locke's philosophy, this will be the authoritative biography for years to come of this truly versatile man whose long-standing desire was for quiet residence in his Oxford college engaged in the study and practise of medicine and natural philosophy, yet who, after years in political exile, finally became an over-worked but influential public servant and who is seen now as one of the most significant early modern philosophers.Roger Woolhouse is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of York.He is the author of many journal articles and books on early modern philosophy, including The Empiricists, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, and, with R.Francks, Leibniz's “New System”. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

a fascinating life
John Locke's political philosophy resides in a strain that was ultimately to run through the thinking of the Founding Fathers of the American Revolution.His life is therefore at least as interesting as that of any 17th century man.Besides his intellectual contributions, Locke lived in interesting times, in youth through the English Civil War and in his age through the Glorious Revolution that presaged America's revolution.
Woolhouse is a fine writer with depth of understanding of the period and of the copious primary sources (that include some of Locke's records of incidental expenses and even his laundry lists).He writes clearly about the development of the ideas in Locke's principal treatises, and provides a thorough description of his activities, almost month-to-month.This latter attribute of the work prompts me to knock a star from the rating to warn prospective readers that they may be in for a more detailed biography than they really want.For me slogging through a bit of detail is worth the effort to arrive at a clear picture of Locke, his influences and the era in which he lived.

Woolhouses's Engaging Biography Helps Us Better Understand Both Locke and the Heritage of Liberty
Although Locke's philosophical arguments must stand or fall on their own merits, our knowledge of his life and times nevertheless enhances our understanding of those arguments. Fortunately, Locke was a regular correspondent and journal keeper, so scholars such as Woolhouse can reconstruct both major and minor episodes in his life and convey something of his character. Woolhouse does an excellent job of weaving all of these strands together to produce a comprehensive account that, perhaps surprisingly, is highly readable.

Different sorts of readers look for different qualities in biographies. Woolhouse's book will appeal to many. Readers of a historical bent will be most interested in the exciting and dramatic events of the 1670s and 1680s that unfolded around Locke--the Whig/Tory conflict, the religious struggles, the Glorious Revolution, and the advent of William of Orange. It is difficult to overstate the significance of these events in British, Dutch, and French history for the later development of Europe and for how the North American colonies would evolve, and it is interesting to see them from Locke's perspective, sometimes as an observer and other times as a participant. Readers of a more philosophical bent will be interested in the development of Locke's thinking in its historical context--for example, how he reacted against Cartesian rationalism and came to develop his empiricist theory of knowledge, or how he came to incorporate the older natural-law tradition into a comprehensive theory of natural (that is, prepolitical) rights to life, liberty, and property....

Locke's contributions to epistemology, philosophy of mind, and theology are still staples of modern higher education, and his life would be worth studying in relation to any of these subjects. We feel his influence most strongly, however, in our political lives. When one studies Locke's political writings, their influence on the American revolutionaries eighty years later is obvious. By the 1770s, though, Lockean principles were no longer radical; they were commonly accepted because they had been the principles of the faction that emerged victorious in the English power struggle of the 1680s. So when Jefferson wrote, "We hold these truths to be self-evident," the declaration was a highly effective rhetorical flourish rather than a plainly false epistemological claim. If Lockean principles were widely accepted in England, then how could the English deny the logic of the colonists' position? The later development of a system of government predicated on natural-rights theory, as remarkable as it was, did not arise in a vacuum. It had antecedents in history. By studying these antecedents, we can understand our own times better. Because Locke was such a crucial figure in this story, Woolhouse has done us all a great service by producing this biography.

Well Balanced
This is a fascinating biography of the great Locke. It is well balanced in details of both the life and movements of Locke, as well as providing some concise discussion on his various works.

I was left the thought as to just how Locke's works may have developed if he, like all in his age, did not have the threat of religious politics breathing down his neck. I tend to believe he would have been a lot closer to Hume if he had both lived in Hume's age and had Hume courage ( and lack of political ambition!)

A great biography that almost demands to be finished in one sitting. ... Read more

Product Description
A reprint of the Penguin/Mentor edition of 1993.

John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government (c. 1681) is perhaps the key founding liberal text. A Letter Concerning Toleration, written in 1685 (a year when a Catholic monarch came to the throne of England and Louis XVI unleashed a reign of terror against Protestants in France), is a classic defense of religious freedom. Yet many of Locke’s other writings—not least the Constitutions of Carolina, which he helped draft—are almost defiantly anti-liberal in outlook.

This comprehensive collection brings together the main published works (excluding polemical attacks on other people’s views) with the most important surviving evidence from among Locke’s papers relating to his political philosophy. David Wootton’s wide-ranging and scholarly Introduction sets the writings in the context of their time, examines Locke’s developing ideas and unorthodox Christianity, and analyzes his main arguments. The result is the first fully rounded picture of Locke’s political thought in his own words. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A 'modern' man of the late 17th century
Once I became used to the very long sentences I found this book a delight. In21st century England we have long been used to religion being confined to the personal sphere, notwithstanding the Lords Spiritual, the Queen as Head of the Church and a tiny, disaffected minority that would see our country take its place in a Global Caliphate. In both his Treatises on Government, as well as in his Essay on Toleration, Locke seeks to demolish many barriers, then still standing, against freedom of custom in forms of worship and freedom of conscience in belief. Such was the atmosphere in the late 17th century. The place of God in our Constitution had been a crucial issue in the blood soaked Civil War which had been the backdrop to Locke's childhood. He was sixteen years old when the Prot./Cat. Thirty Years War drew to a close.

Locke's burial of the notion of the divine right of kings, and his acknowledgement that rulers can only rule legitimately with their people's consent may make him sound like a pioneer of liberalism, or even a visionary of our modern age. He is, however, very much a man of his time. Indeed that is the attraction of this book. The comments of a 17th century man from a 17th century perspective bring the period to life in a way that would tax the skills of a 21st century historian. Consciously or no, historians will have their own agenda.

'Liberal' is a relative term. Locke would outlaw atheists; he was convinced that morality was impossible without a belief on God. 'Mahomedans', whose loyalty would, with their essentially political faith, be to the Ottoman Sultan and Caliph, could not possibly be subjects of the English crown. Regarding the early development of human societies, polities and nations, Locke was writing prior to the development of anthropology and sociology, and 200 years befroe Darwin wrote 'The Descent of Man'. His conjectures, therefore, on primitive societies,appear, quite naturally 'primitive'.

In other ways Locke appears prescient. One hundred years before Adam Smith he attempts an explanation of the laws of supply and demand. 200 years before Marx he outlines his own 'labour theory of value'. He proposes what we would now call 'workhouses' as a a remedy for beggary and paupery. His grand scheme for eradicating poverty might read, at first sight, like an early version of Thomas Paine's 'Rights of Man'. Unlike Paine, however, who envisioned a state education system providing universal literacy, Locke would have thepoor children set to work in the textile industry.

And finally; for South Carolina he proposed a constitution definitely aristocratic, if not feudal, and for England he recommends that the Act of Queen Elizabeth's day whereby unlicensed beggars would have their ears cut off, should be enforced with full rigour.

The seeds of modern England can be seen in this selection of Locke's writings, but whatever his influence, our country has changed in ways that Locke would find inconceivable.

The basis of civil government
This compilation of Locke's political writings not only contains his famed second treatise, but also suplementary essays supporting his views and espousing other particulars.The book is a must for any one interested in political philosophy in the least simply because most of the ideas espoused were incorparated into the foundation of our country.The essays set up locke's basic democratic theories and his version of social contract society.the reading is mildly technical and archaic, but not too bad. an excellent start to any one interested in philosophy ... Read more

Product Description
Published after the Glorious Revolution of 1688 brought William of Orange and Mary to the throne, but written in the throes of the Whig revolutionary plots against Charles II in the early 1680s, John Locke offers a theory of natural law and natural rights which distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate civil governments, and argues for the legitimacy of revolt against tyrannical governments. These radical ideas remain influential today.In these two treatises the political philosopher John Locke espouses radical theories which influenced the ideologies of the American and French revolutions, and became the basis for the social and political philosophies of Rousseau, Voltaire and the United States founding fathers. In the first treatise Locke aims to refute the doctrine of the patriarchal and absolute right of the Divine Right of Kings doctrine put forth by Sir Robert Filmer's Patriarcha. He examines key Biblical passages to prove that scripture does not support Filmer's premise.The second treatise offers Locke's positive theory of government in which he establishes a theory which reconciles the liberty of the citizen with political order. His basic premise is founded on the independence of the individual. He declares that men are born free and equal in their rights and that wealth is the product of labor. In his revolutionary theory of the social contract he proposes that a legitimate civil government must preserve the rights to life, liberty, health and property of its citizens, and prosecute and punish those in violation of those rights. Reprint of the 1698 third edition. ... Read more

Product Description
Published in 1690, Locke's works were immensely influential in the politics of the eighteenth and nineteenth century, and provided the foundation for liberal democracy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Highly Recommended
The books were in the promised condition,very good. They were also received well in time.

Long winded and largely out of date
Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" is altogether a long read. The first treatise is largely a rebuttal to an earlier book by Robert Filmer. It is filled with many biblical references denouncing any connection between the throne and God. In his diatribe he does manage to point out that the bible does not raise man over woman with regards to family. He gets the point across that father and mother are to be honoured and given respect, perhaps a first step on a long road to women's rights.

The second treatise could probably been reduced by a quarter if he would only make a point and move on. Unfortunately he seems to like repeating himself, as if we won't get it the first time. This treatise is the one which has influenced many western governments, the U.S. in particular. Locke, however, like many philosophers of his time, makes his mistake early on in describing humans in a state of nature as mostly solitary and caring only for themselves. This anthropologists now know to be false. We are by nature a social animal living in bands of large extended families. He makes another mistake early on, a mistake that concerns the very foundation of his philosophy when he says that the laws of nature need enforcement. Maybe it's just my modern view of a "law of nature", but I feel that if it needs enforcement it can't be natural. In fact many times when he refers to nature, he gets it wrong.

This said, many of his ideas are good common sense ideas; Like having the government power bounded by agreement, or a constitution; having an independent judiciary; and many of his property rules and how one can defend their property. It even seems like Locke would support Bush in his actions in Afghanistan and Iraq, not for the so called "anti-terrorism" theme, but simply for taking out a tyrant and helping the people install a responsible government of their own.

Two treatise of government
I think this book is good but it lacks being able to keep my attention and I have read huge books.If it kept my attention for a little bit longer than the first page I would keep reading it.

Philosophical Landmark
This is one of the most important works ever written.In the Second Treatise, Locke lays down the theory of natural law and how it relates to the individual as well as to government.Although he was not the first orthe only writer tp elaborate such a theory, his interpretation is clear andeloquent, as can be seen in its use in the Declaration of Independence. The First Treatise was basically a refutation of the now obscureauthoritarian work "Patriarcha" by Sir Robert Filmer.Althoughit is an interesting piece, it has long been rightfully overshadowed by itspartner.If for some reason you are actually seeking a refutation ofFilmer, I would refer you to Algernon Sidney's more lengthy"Discourses Concerning Government."By far the finest edition ofthis work is Peter Laslett's, and I consider the purchase of any otheredition a sorry waste of money.In his lengthy introductory essays, hetraces the historical,political, and philosophical background of JohnLocke's life and ideas as well as the actual writing of the work itself. His greatest contribution however, is proving that the work was writtenwell before the Glorious Revolution of 1688. ... Read more

Product Description
John Locke (1632-1704) has been lauded as the most influential English philosopher. This book provides the first detailed account of the influence of John Locke upon the religious thinkers of the eighteenth century, and discusses the implications for Christian apologetics. Locke set out to discover the limits of human understanding, and in the course of his discussion considered such matters as reason, revelation, faith and enthusiasm. His practical interests were strong, and when considering how we ought to live he appealed to the Bible and especially to the teaching and example of Christ. He also paraphrased a number of Paul's epistles, endeavouring to grasp the apostle's message as a whole, setting his face against `proof-texting' attempts to support particular theological systems. Such an author could not fail to have an impact upon the religious writers who came after him. Many responded to Locke, but as Professor Sell shows, the responses were varied: some were enthusiastic, others hostile, many qualified. ... Read more

Product Description
This book recovers a sense of John Locke's central role in the making of the modern world. It demonstrates that his vision of modern life was constructed on a philosophy of human freedom that is the intellectual nerve connecting the various strands of his thought. By revealing the depth and originality of Locke's critique of the metaphysical assumptions and authoritative institutions of pre-modern life, this book rejects the notion of Locke as an intellectual anachronism. Indeed, the radical core of Locke's modern project was the "democratization of mind," according to which he challenged practically every previous mode of philosophical analysis by making the autonomous individual the sole determinant of truth. It was on the basis of this new philosophical dispensation that Locke crafted a modern vision not only of government but also of the churches, the family, education, and the conduct of international relations., education, and the conduct of international relations. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume offers two complementary works, unabridged, in modernised, annotated texts - the only available edition priced for classroom use. Grant and Tarcov provide a concise introduction, a note on the texts, and a select bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An Excellent Translation of Two Critical Works by Locke
This is an excellent edition of two works by John Locke that are necessary to understand his philosophy. Of the Conduct of the Understanding is one of the most important works by Locke, and is often overlooked by Locke scholars. In it, he succinctly explains his worldview that is behind his other writings (esp.The Essay, but also works such as theTwo Treatises, etc.). This is a must read for anyone wanting to understand Locke's philosophy.

Some Thoughts Concerning Education is also an important work to understand what kind of citizen he envisioned should make up civil societies. These are a collection of letters he wrote to a friend about raising children. In it, we can see what kind of training children require to participate in civil society, according to Locke.

Also, by reading both works, the reader can see how Christian ideas are an important foundation of Locke's worldview.

I highly recommend this edition of these works by Locke!

What's At Issue
The question is whether this is an adequate alternative to James Axtell's now out of print and rather expensive if purchased used volume.The answer is yes, it's a Hackett good value, and needs to be available for serious students and scholars.Any good library has Axtell where the introduction can be read or copied.

Educational Basics
Of course John Locke's tabula rasa has been more or less debunked by the cognitive revolution of the 20th century, but this work still remains one of the most important works of political education in all of political philosophy. Locke believes that "the minds of children" are turned as easily as the direction of water. His goal is to direct the minds of children in such a way as to lead England in the modern world. Locke's vision of education is one of obedience and control, which in turn, is followed by trust and release. It is the modern form of parenting. He writes: "The first thing they should learn to know should be that they were not to have anything because it pleased them, but because it was fit for them" (29). Locke's educational philosophy echoes the instructions for living virtuously by Aristotle in his Nichomachean Ethics. The goal is to enable the child to strive as a reasonable creature, although it is the parent that instills this reason, not the individual itself that crafts his own mind and behavior. This is the dominant perspective on education in the west; it is rivaled only by Rousseau and Dewey. ... Read more

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Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description

This is an electronic edition of the complete essays complemented by author biography. This book features the table of contents linked to every chapter. The book was designed for optimal navigation on the Kindle, PDA, Smartphone, and other electronic readers. It is formatted to display on all electronic devices including the Kindle, Smartphones and other Mobile Devices with a small display.

Customer Reviews (1)

Great English philosopher
Works of John Locke: Including Two Treatises of Government, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding and more.

This is a very good ebook that covers Locke's key writings. ... Read more