A Second Letter concerning Toleration
Locke answers Jonas Proast’s objections and deepens the debate about religious coercion. He asks whether force can lead someone to recognize a truth they do not believe.
Understanding the text
Published in 1690, this response belongs to a prolonged controversy after the first Letter. The polemical dialogue clarifies the limits Locke assigns to the magistrate.
Key points
- 01
Objection
Proast defends indirect coercion to bring a person to examine a religion.
- 02
Reply
Locke questions whether force can produce fair examination and sincere belief.
- 03
Power
The disagreement concerns legitimate ends and instruments of civil authority.
How to read it
Read the letter alongside Proast’s objection and specify the limits of both positions.
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 ↗