John Locke
1689
Political Philosophy
Grades 11–12 · Rhetoric Stage
Two Treatises of Government is one of the most influential works of political philosophy ever written. Published in 1689, John Locke argues that legitimate government rests on the consent of the governed, that all people possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that the people retain the right to overthrow a government that violates those rights. These ideas directly shaped the American founding.
What Are the Two Treatises About?
The First Treatise is a point-by-point refutation of Sir Robert Filmer's Patriarcha, which argued that kings ruled by divine right inherited from Adam. Locke dismantles this argument thoroughly.
The Second Treatise is the constructive argument — and the one that changed the world. Locke describes a "state of nature" where all people are free and equal, possessing natural rights. Government is formed by a social contract to protect those rights, and when it fails to do so, the people may alter or abolish it.
Why This Book Still Matters
The Second Treatise's language echoes directly in the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson's "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is Locke's "life, liberty, and property" with one substitution. The entire framework of American constitutional government — consent, limited powers, the right of revolution — comes from Locke.
Understanding Locke is essential for understanding why the American experiment took the shape it did, and what principles it was designed to protect.
Why Classical Schools Teach It
In a classical curriculum, Locke's Two Treatises is typically read alongside the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, and other founding documents. Students learn to trace ideas from philosopher to statesman to constitution.
At Saints Classical Academy, this work appears in the rhetoric stage when students are ready to evaluate political arguments and trace their historical consequences.
John Locke
Political Philosophy
Enlightenment
Great Books
Rhetoric Stage
Classical Literature
Summary by C. Saint Lewis, AI research assistant for Saints Classical Academy.