Second Treatise of Government (e-Book)

Second Treatise of Government, ‘is a work of political philosophy published anonymously in 1689 by John Locke, 'The 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") The original title of the Second Treatise appears to have been simply "Book II," corresponding to the title of theFirst Treatise, "Book I." The First Treatise is focused on the refutation of Sir Robert Filmer, in particular his Patriarcha, which argued that civil society was founded on a divinely sanctioned patriarchalism, Locke proceeds through Filmer's arguments, contesting his proofs from Scripture and ridiculing them as senseless, until concluding that no government can be justified by an appeal to the divine right of kings. While the Second Treatise outlines a theory of civil society, and argues that all men are created equal in the state of nature by God. From this, it goes on to explain the hypothetical rise of property and civilization, in the process explaining that the only legitimate governments are those that have the consent of the people. Therefore, any government that rules without the consent of the people can, in theory, be overthrown. Locke also argues that the protection of life, liberty, and property can be achieved by a parliamentary process that protects, not violates, one’s rights. 

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