40 pages • 1 hour read
John LockeThe First Treatise of Government
John LockeNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1689A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
480
Book • Nonfiction
England • 17th century
1689
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
John Locke's First Treatise of Government refutes Sir Robert Filmer's support of the divine right of kings by analyzing Biblical scripture and arguing against the notion that monarchical authority is derived from fatherly authority and the idea that mankind is naturally unfree. Locke addresses Filmer's claims, concluding that neither the Old Testament nor the concept of inheritance support Filmer's perspective and advocating instead for natural human freedom.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
John Locke's The First Treatise of Government receives mixed reviews. Positively, it is heralded for its thorough critique of divine right monarchy and its foundational role in political philosophy. However, some readers find its arguments repetitive and dense, challenging to engage with consistently. Nonetheless, it remains a pivotal text in understanding early liberal thought.
Who Should Read The First Treatise of Government?
A reader who enjoys John Locke's The First Treatise of Government is typically interested in political philosophy, Enlightenment thought, and foundational texts in Western political theory. Comparable works include Hobbes's Leviathan and Rousseau's The Social Contract.
480
Book • Nonfiction
England • 17th century
1689
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.