Moral Foundations of Politics Book Notes John Locke: Second Treatise of Government

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Moral Foundations of Politics Book Notes John Locke: Second Treatise of Government I. Introduction Political power and influence only for “public good” II. State of nature A person is free in... action, possessions, etc. and all are equally free. “Workmanship ideal”- what you do or make is yours No one may impair “life, liberty, health, limb, or goods of another.” Everyone may enforce or punish nature’s rules to prevent their infraction Don’t really need society or government? III. State of war More state of nature-protect w/ violence as needed IV. Slavery Free to do whatever under laws of nature V. Property God gives nature to men and therefore, men able to use it. What one uses is his. One’s labor is his VI. Paternal power Parents have power over children to raise, educate, and take care of them till they can do it themselves Children shoulder honor and obey VII. Political/civil society Husband and wife together until all children are grown VIII. Beginning of Political Societies Men cannot be forced to join society-only with consent Majority rule Only under rules of society is engage in it and/or consent IX. Ends of Political society and government Life is dangerous Therefore, join societies for mutual preservation of life, liberty, and property Give up natural law for societal law to advance their peace, safety and public good X. Forms of a commonwealth Majority rule always May make any laws, punishments, and new forms of government as long as majority rule applies XVII. Usurpation When taking over (conquest), may not subject new citizens to rules until they consent. = tyranny XVIII. Tyranny Exercise of power beyond right Use of power not for the good of those under it, but for one’s own advantages Force only available against unjust and unlawful force XIX. Dissolution of government [Show More]

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