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The First Treatise of Government

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1689

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Book Brief

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John Locke

The First Treatise of Government

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1689
Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

England • 17th century

Publication Year

1689

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

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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 this

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.

Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

England • 17th century

Publication Year

1689

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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