Sir Robert Filmer

Adam

Locke uses Adam as a central figure to refute Filmer's patriarchal theory of absolute monarchy, making them intellectual antagonists.

Noah

Noah is cited by Locke to counter Filmer's argument that patriarchal power descended from Noah to his sons.

Adam

Locke uses Adam as a central figure to refute Filmer's patriarchal theory of absolute monarchy, making them intellectual antagonists.

Noah

Noah is cited by Locke to counter Filmer's argument that patriarchal power descended from Noah to his sons.

Two Treatises of Government

Filmer is identified as the primary opponent whose false principles and foundation are to be detected and overthrown in the first treatise.

Book I: Of Government

Filmer is the primary target of Locke's critique; his arguments for absolute monarchy based on Adam's sovereignty are systematically refuted.

I

Locke identifies Filmer as the chief proponent of the doctrine of absolute monarchy and divine right, whose work 'Patriarcha' he will examine.

II: Of Paternal and Regal Power

Filmer's central thesis that men are not naturally free and his equation of paternal authority with royal authority are critiqued. Locke notes Filmer's failure to define 'fatherly authority' and his reliance on unproven assertions about Adam's sovereignty.

Of Adam's Title to Sovereignty by Creation

Author of the patriarchalist theory that Locke refutes; claims Adam was monarch from creation.

Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty, by Donation, Gen. 1:28

Filmer claims Adam's sovereignty by donation; Locke refutes this interpretation.

Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty, by the Subjection of Eve

Filmer is the target of Locke's critique, having claimed that Genesis 3:16 establishes Adam's absolute monarchy.

Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty by Fatherhood

Author whose arguments for absolute monarchy based on Adam's fatherhood are systematically dismantled.

VIII: Of the Conveyance of Adam’s Sovereign Monarchical Power

Filmer's contradictory claims about the conveyance of Adam's sovereign power are scrutinized; he variously asserts inheritance, grant, usurpation, or election as the means, undermining his own theory.

Of Monarchy, by Inheritance from Adam

Filmer's theory that Adam's monarchical power passes by inheritance is the central target of Locke's critique; Locke shows the logical flaws in this inheritance claim.

X: Of the Heir to Adam’s Monarchical Power

Author of the patriarchal theory that Locke refutes; cited for his claims about the undeniable right of Adam's heir to rule.

XI: Who Heir?

Locke critiques Filmer's assertion that civil power is assigned by divine institution to Adam's heir, showing it leads to confusion and usurpation.

Book II: Of Civil Government

Locke refutes Filmer's patriarchal theory of absolute monarchy.

I

Locke criticizes Filmer's hypothesis that all government derives from Adam's authority.

IV: Of Slavery

Locke quotes Filmer's erroneous definition of liberty as doing as one pleases, then corrects it.

Of Property

Implicitly criticized for his claim that property is impossible without a universal monarch, which Locke refutes.

Of Political or Civil Society

Locke implicitly critiques Filmer's patriarchal arguments by contrasting absolute monarchy with genuine civil society.

Of the Beginning of Political Societies

Locke implicitly refutes Filmer's patriarchal theory by arguing that political societies begin by consent, not by paternal dominion.

XV: Of Paternal, Political, and Despotical Power, Considered Together

Locke's arguments implicitly counter Filmer's conflation of paternal and political power.

XVIII: Of Tyranny

Implied as the target of Locke's critique of absolute power, though not directly named in this chapter.

Of the Dissolution of Government

Locke implicitly refutes Filmer's patriarchal absolutism by arguing that no ruler has divine or hereditary right to arbitrary power; government is dissolved when rulers betray their trust.

Endnotes

Referenced in endnotes regarding his claims on paternal power and supreme authority.