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480
Book • Nonfiction
England • 17th century
1689
Adult
18+ years
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
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.
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.
Sir Robert Filmer
An influential proponent of the Divine Right of Kings, whose works argue for absolute monarchy. Locke's First Treatise specifically addresses and critiques the arguments found in Filmer's Patriarcha.
Adam
The first man created according to the Book of Genesis, used by Filmer as an example of divine authority. Locke challenges the notion that Adam was the first absolute monarch with unlimited power.
Eve
The first woman created according to the Book of Genesis, fashioned from Adam’s rib. Locke argues against Filmer's views by referencing Eve’s joint inheritance of the earth with Adam, advocating for natural freedom and equality.
Noah
A descendant of Adam who survives the Flood by building an ark, then divides the world equally among his three sons. Locke utilizes Noah's story to dispute the concept of inherited absolute monarchical power.
Algernon Sidney
A fellow political philosopher and anti-royalist whose work shares thematic similarities with Locke's. Though not directly mentioned, his ideas and political associations parallel Locke’s critiques of absolutism.
King William III
A Dutch prince who became the ruler of England after the Glorious Revolution. Locke acknowledges William III as an exemplar of legitimate rule based on the consent of the governed.
480
Book • Nonfiction
England • 17th century
1689
Adult
18+ years
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