John Locke and the Foundations of Modern Liberalism

The Life and Influence of John Locke

John Locke (1632-1704) was born in Wrington, near Bristol, and educated at Oxford. He earned his medical degree in 1674. He was a diplomat and lived in France and Holland. Very interested in modern philosophy and science, he dealt intensely with political, social, educational, religious, and economic issues. He greatly influenced the formation of the modern liberal ideology.

The Second Treatise of Civil Government

The Second Treatise of Civil Government is a great work of political theory. Locke's political theory is, above all, a foundation of liberalism and an opposition to the theory of the divine right of kings. According to Locke, men are equal and free in their natural state. By common consent, they form a society which is not solely the result of a desire to avoid the "war of all against all" that Hobbes had spoken of, but also the fruit of free consent. The society is also based on the existence of natural rights, such as the right of existence (or subsistence) and property (which enables man to dispose of assets for his existence or subsistence).

The Nature of Property Rights

This property right is not absolute; it has its limitations. On the one hand, property has its source in work (and also in the estate, which is expressed in the fruits of labor). On the other hand, it is limited by the other members of society; it should not prejudice any property held by others.

Theory of Representative Government

The most fundamental aspect of Locke's political doctrine is his theory of government and representative government. Members of the government are those to whom society has entrusted the power and the right to direct the governed for the good of the community and each of its members.

As with society, the government is, or should be, the result of the free consent of individuals within society and should never infringe upon the fundamental rights of these individuals, but rather protect them.

The Three Branches of Power

Locke divides government power into three branches, each of which gives rise to a branch of government:

• The legislature: This is fundamental.
• The executive: This includes the judiciary.
• The federal power: The power to declare war, make peace, and establish alliances with other communities.

The Right to Rebellion

While the government remains a free expression of the will of the members of society, rebellion is not allowed. It is an unjust rebellion against a lawful government. However, rebellion is accepted by Locke in the event of the dissolution of society and when a government fails to fulfill its role and becomes a tyranny.

Key Pillars of Locke's Doctrine

In the work discussed, the basic ideas and key political doctrines of Locke center on:

• Natural state and a state of war
• Property
• Civil Society
• Rebellion