Two Treatises of Government · Theme
Property and Labor
How Two Treatises of Government develops Property and Labor.
Property originates from an individual's labor mixing with common resources, and the preservation of property is a primary end of civil society, protected by law against arbitrary seizure.
Where it surfaces
- Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty, by Donation, Gen. 1:28
Locke distinguishes between private dominion (property) and political sovereignty, arguing that property in land does not give power over persons.
- Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty by Fatherhood
Implicitly addressed through the idea that begetting does not give a father property-like ownership over children.
- VII: Of Fatherhood and Property Considered Together as Fountains of Sovereignty
The chapter explores the distinction between private dominion (property) and paternal power, questioning how property rights relate to political authority.
- Of Monarchy, by Inheritance from Adam
Locke redefines property as a right based on necessity and self-preservation, rejecting Filmer's notion of exclusive dominion by donation.
- Of Property
Locke establishes that labor, mixed with common resources, creates private property, and that this right is limited by the needs of others and the prohibition of waste.
- Of Political or Civil Society
Locke states that the preservation of property is the end of government, and that insecurity of property drove people to establish civil society.
- IX: Of the Ends of Political Society and Government
The 'great and chief end' of government is the preservation of property, which Locke defines broadly as 'lives, liberties, and estates,' making property central to the social contract.
- XI: Of the Extent of the Legislative Power
The end of government is the preservation of property; arbitrary seizure without consent subverts that end.
- XVI: Of Conquest
Locke discusses the limits of a conqueror's claim to land and property, arguing that reparation does not justify dispossessing the innocent.
- Of the Dissolution of Government
The end of entering society is the preservation of property; when legislators invade property or reduce people to slavery under arbitrary power, they forfeit their trust.