Two Treatises of Government · Chapter
Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty by Fatherhood explained
Locke critiques Filmer's argument that Adam's sovereignty derives from fatherhood, showing that begetting does not grant absolute power over children, and that such a claim leads to contradictions where fathers are both subjects and absolut
What happens
Locke critiques Filmer's argument that Adam's sovereignty derives from fatherhood, showing that begetting does not grant absolute power over children, and that such a claim leads to contradictions where fathers are both subjects and absolute rulers. He reaffirms natural freedom and equality, arguing that only God gives life and that parental power is not absolute or political.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
The emotional and psychological peak occurs as the endnotes abruptly shift from Locke’s own argument to a dens…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Natural Rights and Liberty
Locke argues that men are naturally free and equal, rejecting Filmer's claim that birth imposes subjection.
- Critique of Patriarchalism and Divine Right
Locke systematically dismantles Filmer's argument that fatherhood grants absolute political authority.
- Property and Labor
Implicitly addressed through the idea that begetting does not give a father property-like ownership over children.
Characters to notice
- Adam
Central figure in Filmer's claim of sovereignty by fatherhood; Locke examines and refutes this title.
- Sir Robert Filmer
Author whose arguments for absolute monarchy based on Adam's fatherhood are systematically dismantled.
- Grotius
Cited by Filmer for the idea that generation gives parents right over children; Locke questions the extent of this power.
- Cain
Mentioned as an example of Adam's children who would have paternal power over their own children, creating contradictions.
- Seth
Similarly referenced as a child of Adam with paternal power, illustrating the inconsistency in Filmer's theory.
- Barclay
Listed among those who admit natural liberty and equality of mankind, contrary to Filmer's position.
Key passages
“That begetting of children makes them not slaves to their fathers, as certainly sets all mankind free, as his affirming the contrary makes them all slaves.”
Locke asserts that denying that begetting creates slavery is as valid a claim to universal freedom as Filmer's claim to universal slavery.
Locke counters Filmer's assertion that birth imposes subjection, arguing for natural freedom.
“They who say the father gives life to children, are so dazzled with the thoughts of monarchy, that they do not, as they ought, remember God, who is 'the author and giver of life'.”
Locke criticizes those who attribute life-giving power to fathers, reminding them that God is the true source of life.
Locke undermines the argument that fathers have absolute power because they give life.
“If it does give royal authority, then everyone that has paternal power has royal authority; and then, by our author's patriarchal government, there will be as many kings as there are fathers.”
Locke points out that if fatherhood grants royal authority, then every father would be a king, making Filmer's monarchy absurd.
Locke exposes the logical contradiction in Filmer's theory of patriarchal monarchy.
