Second Treatise of the Government audiobook cover - An Essay Concerning the True Origin, Extent and End of Civil Government

Second Treatise of the Government

An Essay Concerning the True Origin, Extent and End of Civil Government

John Locke

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Second Treatise of the Government
The State of Nature
Natural Laws
Justice & Punishment
Property Rights
Acquisition via Labor
Limits on Ownership
Slavery & Liberty
Natural Freedom
Justified Slavery
Types of Power
Parental Power
Political Power
War & Conquest
Limits of Conquest
Fate of Combatants
Government Structure
Legislative Power
Executive Power
Limits on Authority
Legislative Boundaries
Executive Prerogative
Right to Resistance
Justified Rebellion
The Ultimate Judge

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Question 1 of 10
What guides human behavior and dictates that we should not harm others in Locke's 'state of nature'?

Second Treatise of the Government — Full Chapter Overview

Second Treatise of the Government Summary & Overview

Locke’s Second Treatise offers an in-depth analysis on the origin of our right to liberty and the rights of governments. It shows how, by respecting the laws of nature, we can limit the power of government to best protect ourselves and our property from destruction or worse, tyranny.

Who Should Listen to Second Treatise of the Government?

  • Anybody interested in politics
  • Anybody interested in the history of ideas and philosophy
  • Anybody interested in the foundations of liberalism and democracy

About the Author: John Locke

John Locke (1632-1704) is one of the world’s most important political philosophers. Considered the “father of classical liberalism,” Locke was an influential thinker during the Enlightenment period, and his ideas on philosophy and civil government inspired other major personalities, such as Voltaire, as well as many American revolutionaries – ideas that are still alive and influential today.

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