First Treatise of Government
Locke examines Robert Filmer’s patriarchal theory and disputes the claim that sovereigns inherit Adam’s absolute power. His reading combines scriptural argument and criticism of political authority.
Understanding the text
The first treatise appeared with the second in the anonymous volume dated 1690. Its polemic answers Filmer’s Patriarcha and must be distinguished from the positive argument of the second treatise.
Key points
- 01
Inheritance
An alleged biblical lineage does not suffice to determine a legitimate sovereign.
- 02
Parenthood
Parental authority does not automatically become absolute political power.
- 03
Interpretation
Locke discusses biblical texts within a specific political controversy.
How to read it
Compare Locke’s arguments with Filmer’s passages before reading the second treatise.
Editions & sources
- Consult the reference 1plato.stanford.edunew tab
- Consult the reference 2plato.stanford.edunew tab
- Consult the reference 3iep.utm.edunew tab
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗