Two Treatises of Government · Question
How does Two Treatises of Government develop the theme of Critique of Patriarchalism and Divine Right?
Answer
Two Treatises of Government by John Locke develops Critique of Patriarchalism and Divine Right across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Locke systematically refutes Sir Robert Filmer's theory that political power derives from Adam's fatherhood and divine donation, arguing such claims are unfounded and lead to slavery.
The first treatise is explicitly dedicated to detecting and overthrowing Filmer's patriarchal and divine right principles.
Locke systematically refutes Filmer's patriarchal theory that political power derives from Adam's fatherhood and divine grant.
Locke begins his systematic critique of Filmer's patriarchal theory, which derives absolute monarchy from Adam's supposed sovereignty.
Evidence in the book
- Two Treatises of Government
The first treatise is explicitly dedicated to detecting and overthrowing Filmer's patriarchal and divine right principles.
- Book I: Of Government
Locke systematically refutes Filmer's patriarchal theory that political power derives from Adam's fatherhood and divine grant.
- I
Locke begins his systematic critique of Filmer's patriarchal theory, which derives absolute monarchy from Adam's supposed sovereignty.
- II: Of Paternal and Regal Power
Locke systematically dismantles Filmer's identification of paternal authority with royal authority, criticizing the lack of definition and proof for 'fatherly authority' and its supposed divine right.
- Of Adam's Title to Sovereignty by Creation
Locke systematically dismantles Filmer's claim that Adam's creation by God established his absolute sovereignty over mankind.
- Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty, by Donation, Gen. 1:28
Locke systematically refutes Filmer's claim that Adam's donation from God established monarchical rule over all mankind.
- Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty, by the Subjection of Eve
Locke directly refutes Filmer's claim that Adam's rule over Eve establishes a divine right to absolute monarchy, arguing that the text only describes conjugal relations.
- Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty by Fatherhood
Locke systematically dismantles Filmer's argument that fatherhood grants absolute political authority.
