Second Treatise Of Government By John Locke

Alex Henderson

Is it Freedom or Are We Under Locke and Key? John Locke in his political philosophy work Second Treatise of Government creates an argument surrounding the relationship between reason, rationality, parental power, and obligation. In his study of philosophy, he holds firm the importance of the pursuit of the summum bonum, or the “highest good”, and if we consistently pursue this good, that we will live the best possible life. With the use of rationality and right reason, we will be able to better understand the human condition and have a meaningful and fulfilling life. According to Locke, individuals have an “equal right…to natural freedom” (Chap. 6, Sec. 54), which means that they have the ability to choose how they act as long

With the ultimate goal of an individual being self-preservation, Locke says it is essential that you don’t let anyone else violate your property, because, as long as there is enough good left for others, there is no obligation for you to give your neighbor anything. The only obligation that you have towards another person, according to Locke, is the obligation not to harm another person, unless it is necessary for your own self-preservation. In an example where this Lockian principle is of relevant importance is in a case of accidental killing, or a killing by self-defense. Take, for example, a person, “Ben” who finds himself in a morally gray situation. Throughout his life, Ben follows right reason and makes good decisions that lead to the betterment of himself and of the people around him. Ben is put on trial for accidentally pushing someone off a cliff who was trying to push him off first. The attempt to kill Ben was not an accident, but Ben killing the person who attempted to murder him was necessary for Ben to preserve his own life. Ben’s intentions were not to kill, but his actions still had the consequence of ending the life of another human. We know what political law says about killing in self-defense, but in Ben’s case, the following of moral law is in question. A strict nonconsequentialist would say that Ben

An example of this in practice is the education system which is designed to provide children with the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible citizens. Parents are expected to play a major role in this process by instilling moral values and a sense of responsibility in their children. Moreover, various social, cultural and religious institutions, such as charity organizations, churches and non-profit community spaces, encourage individuals to actively participate in their communities. This emphasis on duty, community and civic responsibility reflects Locke's belief that individuals must contribute to the common good and provide a solid foundation for society. While modern societies and the aforementioned institutions may not explicitly reference Locke and his works, many of his principles are woven into the fabric of contemporary societies and continue to shape our political, legal, and social