- Hardcover: 416 pages
- Publisher: Yale University Press (12 Dec 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0300100175
- ISBN-13: 978-0300100174
- Product Dimensions: 21.1 x 14.5 x 3 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,699,049 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Two of Locke's most mature and influential political writings and three brilliant interpretive essays have been combined here in one volume. Among the most influential writings in the history of Western political thought, John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" and "A Letter Concerning Toleration" remain vital to political debates more than three centuries after they were written. The complete texts are accompanied by interpretive essays by three prominent Locke scholars. Ian Shapiro's introduction places Locke's political writings in historical and biographical context. John Dunn explores both the intellectual context in which Locke wrote the "Two Treatises of Government" and "A Letter Concerning Toleration" and the major interpretive controversies surrounding their meaning. Ruth Grant offers a comprehensive discussion of Locke's views on women and the family, and Shapiro contributes an essay on the democratic elements of Locke's political theory. Taken together, the texts and essays in this volume offer insights into the history of ideas and the enduring influence of Locke's political thought.
About the Author
Ian Shapiro is William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor and chair, Department of Political Science, Yale University.
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8 reviews
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
This is one well organized book.
16 Jun 2008
Format:Paperback
I will try to avoid getting involved in the heated debate that the two previous reviewers wrapped themselves in. Instead I will focus my attention on giving my opinion pertaining to the quality of Ian Shapiro's work. The book itself is laid out beautifully. As a poli-sci student it is a blessing to have such a well laid out book to use in my studies. The choice of font only serves to amplify the intensity of Locke's ideas. Ideas that inevitably shaped the society we live in today. If you are studying the works of this man, or just reading for leisure don't hesitate to read this version, you will not be disappointed.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Much to be thankful for
16 Jun 2010
Format:Paperback
An amazing intellectual honesty and courageous spirit John Locke had. This book should be read with context of time period in mind. John Locke is more appreciative and thoughtful of the independence of man than many are today- those who are independent and free because of men like John Locke. Perhaps, some will argue that his theories were incomplete or not tolerable enough, but the man is a major contributor to the Englightenment. There is much to be thankful for.
The first treatise is a response to Robert Filmer's "Patriarcha". Filmer was a monarchist who strongly believed that Scripture proved that authoritarianism was natural and patriarchy its vessel- following the line of Adam. Locke strongly reputes Filmer's reasoning. The first treatise can be summed up on page 77: "And there would be an end of all civil government, if the assignment of civil power were by divine institution to the heir, and yet by that divine institution the person of the heir could not be known. This paternal regal power being by divine right only his, it leaves no room for human prudence, or consent, to place it any where else; for if only one man hath a divine right to the obedience of mankind, nobody can claim that obedience but he that can show that right; nor can men's consciences by any other pretence be obliged to it. And thus this doctrine cuts up all government by the roots."
The second treatise is Locke's argument for civil government of the people- not monarchy. He strongly argues in defense of the individual, property rights, freedom of conscience, man's equality, ending status quo, elected representation, and much more. He makes a strong case for what he believes is the purpose of government and how those governments should avoid arbitrary power. Having studied Thomas Jefferson, it is obvious that Jefferson invested much stock in Locke's ideas. He parallels Locke in many ways.
"A Letter Concerning Toleration" would benefit many Christians and non-Christians. In fact, Christopher Hitchens could have saved himself some time and a book- "God is Not Great"- had he read John Locke's response that ironically was written 300 years prior to Hitchens' criticism. Due to time and space- I could go on in details about what a wonderful piece of literature I believe this to be- but I will spare the reader.
There are 3 essays at the end of Locke's letters. The first, written by John Dunn, who obviously has the hots for 4 syllable words and plugging fellow historians. The second, by Ruth Grant, who seems a tad bitter and unappreciative that Locke didn't go far enough with women's liberation. I suppose he was too busy with that whole dismantling the monarchy thing. The third, by Ian Shapiro who gives a fair and enjoyable summation of Locke's views on Democracy.
The first treatise is a response to Robert Filmer's "Patriarcha". Filmer was a monarchist who strongly believed that Scripture proved that authoritarianism was natural and patriarchy its vessel- following the line of Adam. Locke strongly reputes Filmer's reasoning. The first treatise can be summed up on page 77: "And there would be an end of all civil government, if the assignment of civil power were by divine institution to the heir, and yet by that divine institution the person of the heir could not be known. This paternal regal power being by divine right only his, it leaves no room for human prudence, or consent, to place it any where else; for if only one man hath a divine right to the obedience of mankind, nobody can claim that obedience but he that can show that right; nor can men's consciences by any other pretence be obliged to it. And thus this doctrine cuts up all government by the roots."
The second treatise is Locke's argument for civil government of the people- not monarchy. He strongly argues in defense of the individual, property rights, freedom of conscience, man's equality, ending status quo, elected representation, and much more. He makes a strong case for what he believes is the purpose of government and how those governments should avoid arbitrary power. Having studied Thomas Jefferson, it is obvious that Jefferson invested much stock in Locke's ideas. He parallels Locke in many ways.
"A Letter Concerning Toleration" would benefit many Christians and non-Christians. In fact, Christopher Hitchens could have saved himself some time and a book- "God is Not Great"- had he read John Locke's response that ironically was written 300 years prior to Hitchens' criticism. Due to time and space- I could go on in details about what a wonderful piece of literature I believe this to be- but I will spare the reader.
There are 3 essays at the end of Locke's letters. The first, written by John Dunn, who obviously has the hots for 4 syllable words and plugging fellow historians. The second, by Ruth Grant, who seems a tad bitter and unappreciative that Locke didn't go far enough with women's liberation. I suppose he was too busy with that whole dismantling the monarchy thing. The third, by Ian Shapiro who gives a fair and enjoyable summation of Locke's views on Democracy.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
This EDITION
6 April 2010
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Why review Locke himself?
This is the edition to get, regardless of the fact that you may only need to read the second treatise for most classes. The print is somewhat small but not blinding, the book is sturdy and will stand up to abuse, and like another reviewer stated it is well formatted and organized.
Where this book really shines is in the 3 essays provided, all from highly competent and recognized scholars. Ruth Grant's essay "Locke on Women and The Family" is by far the best, and her analysis of how we fairly and unfairly impose modern questions on historical figures is instructive far past the single case of John Locke. John Dunn's essay is a bit obtuse and convoluted but provides a fascinating look at Lockean scholarship in perspective, while Shapiro's essay is the least captivating but perhaps the most important, as it attempts to distinguish just how much (or poignantly little) Locke actually had to say about democracy and majority rule.
Don't waste your time with a 2 dollar paperback edition; treat your brain to the feast presented in this fine piece of an academic edition.
This is the edition to get, regardless of the fact that you may only need to read the second treatise for most classes. The print is somewhat small but not blinding, the book is sturdy and will stand up to abuse, and like another reviewer stated it is well formatted and organized.
Where this book really shines is in the 3 essays provided, all from highly competent and recognized scholars. Ruth Grant's essay "Locke on Women and The Family" is by far the best, and her analysis of how we fairly and unfairly impose modern questions on historical figures is instructive far past the single case of John Locke. John Dunn's essay is a bit obtuse and convoluted but provides a fascinating look at Lockean scholarship in perspective, while Shapiro's essay is the least captivating but perhaps the most important, as it attempts to distinguish just how much (or poignantly little) Locke actually had to say about democracy and majority rule.
Don't waste your time with a 2 dollar paperback edition; treat your brain to the feast presented in this fine piece of an academic edition.
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