Two Treatises of Government · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for Two Treatises of Government by John Locke.

Read with companions Book page

Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.

Chapter 1
Two Treatises of Government
Locke introduces his work as a two-part treatise: the first aims to detect and overthrow the false principles of Sir Robert Filmer and his followers, while the second presents an essay on the true origin, extent, and end of civil government.
Chapter 2
Book I: Of Government
Locke begins his critique of Sir Robert Filmer's patriarchal theory of absolute monarchy, arguing that Filmer's claims for Adam's sovereignty by creation, donation, and fatherhood are unfounded. He systematically dismantles Filmer's arguments, exposing the problem of identifying Adam's heir and laying the groundwork for his own political philosophy based on natural rights and consent.
Chapter 3
I
Locke summarizes his refutation of Filmer's patriarchal theory, concluding that Adam had no natural or granted sovereignty, that his heirs have no clear right, and that no certain heir can be identified. He argues that to avoid grounding government in mere force, a new origin of political power must be found, and he defines political power as the right to make laws for the preservation of property and the public good.
Chapter 4
II: Of Paternal and Regal Power
Locke examines Filmer's foundational claim that 'men are not naturally free' and his identification of paternal authority with royal authority. He criticizes Filmer for failing to define 'fatherly authority' and for assuming Adam's absolute sovereignty without proof. Locke argues that Filmer's entire case rests on unsubstantiated assertions and a selective reading of scripture, particularly the commandment 'Honour thy father,' which omits 'thy mother.' He concludes that Filmer's arguments for Adam's dominion—creation, dominion over Eve, and fatherhood—are insufficient to establish absolute monarchy.
Chapter 5
Of Adam's Title to Sovereignty by Creation
Locke critiques Sir Robert Filmer's argument that Adam's creation by God immediately granted him sovereignty over the world. He exposes logical inconsistencies in Filmer's claims, such as the confusion between Adam's creation and his fatherhood, the timing of God's donation, and the distinction between 'habit' and 'act.' Locke argues that creation alone does not confer political authority, and that natural freedom of mankind is compatible with belief in Adam's creation.

Free preview

29 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.

29 more companions → free preview

Two Treatises of Government

Book I: Of Government

I

II: Of Paternal and Regal Power

Of Adam's Title to Sovereignty by Creation