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Two Treatises of Government Audiobook
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Often considered the foundation of political liberalism, John Locke's Two Treatises of Government was first published anonymously in 1689, in the wake of England's Glorious Revolution. In The First Treatise of Government, Locke refutes the idea of divine monarchy, while The Second Treatise of Government articulates Locke's philosophy of government, which he based upon his theories of natural rights and the social contract. In Locke's view, governments' legitimacy is based upon their performance of their proper functions—preservation of the life, liberty, and property rights of their citizens, and protection from those who seek to violate these rights.
A radical doctrine at the time of its publication, Locke's theories provided a philosophical basis for many of the principles behind the American Revolution. More than 300 years after the publication of the Two Treatises of Government, Locke's ideas continue to spark debate. A must-listen for anyone interested in the foundations of contemporary political ideology, Locke's hugely influential work will retain its relevance for generations to come.
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"Locke is a timeless classic, whether regarding his politics or his metaphysics/epistemology in "Essays of Human Understanding". Whether a philosopher or not, the Two Treatises of Government is written plainly enough that anyone can understand it. It is a must read for anyone studying early American political thought (e.g. pamphlet making, Declaration of Independence, etc.)."
— Shiloh (4 out of 5 stars)
Two Treatises of Government Listener Reviews
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" Connect the dots and you are here. "
— Chris, 2/20/2014 -
" pursuit of PROPERTY, not happiness. "
— Larry, 2/11/2014 -
" John Locke has an admirable way with snark. This was my first time reading the First Treatise, and I really did enjoy how diligently he took about Filmer's arguments, and how sarcastic the man was. The Second Treatise was more familiar turf, and perhaps less interesting because of it - but for setting the stage for the ways in which gender and civic identity would be the foundation of the United States at its inception, it's a beautiful read. "
— Catherine, 2/11/2014 -
" One of the most important in influential thinkers which has helped foster both the founding of the United States and modern libertarianism. There are many places to begin for such students, and Locke is among the best of places to begin. "
— John, 2/3/2014 -
" Two Treatises of Government by John Locke (1988) "
— Craig, 1/30/2014 -
" Even though Locke was probably not a Christian, I find his contributions to political theory quite valuable. I tend to agree with Locke more than with other political philosophers, though I would not agree with him as much now as I would have done in high school. "
— Jason, 1/16/2014 -
" Yeah if you are an American of voting age and haven't read this... you should be deported. "
— Michael, 1/13/2014 -
" Well, grad school is either going to educate me or kill me, I guess. Also, is it just me or was everyone in the seventeeth century wildly brilliant? "
— J., 12/27/2013 -
" This book made going to college worth it. I love John Locke. I love the Second Treatise. Political philosophy makes me swoon. "
— Charlotte, 12/25/2013 -
" been dead for centuries, still teach me something "
— Bima, 12/25/2013 -
" One of the most important in influential thinkers which has helped foster both the founding of the United States and modern libertarianism. There are many places to begin for such students, and Locke is among the best of places to begin. "
— John, 12/13/2013 -
" Two Treatises of Government by John Locke (1988) "
— Risa, 12/1/2013 -
" I don't remember reading this as a kid. Very interesting insight into our political design (especially the second treatise). You have to keep reminding yourself that this was pre-Jefferson writting. But, you can sure see Locke's hand in our founding documents. "
— L, 11/5/2013 -
" A wily fellow. All this talk of lyons and state of nature as mischievously different state of war. While I can't say I enjoyed the first treatise too much, this second one certainly seems to be onto something. Lovely and Monstrously devious. "
— Rosie, 10/30/2013 -
" Of all the political philosophers who influenced the American founding, this one is my favorite for its clear construction of argument, witty commentary, and enduring value to American government. "
— Amanda, 10/28/2013 -
" I had always wanted to read this and finally did. Understanding Locke is essential to understanding the ideas of the Founding Fathers. The Second is the more important of the treatises and clarifies what Jefferson was thinking as he wrote the Declaration of Independence. "
— Rusty, 10/26/2013 -
" Incredible picture of government and what it looks like. While reading the second Treatise I was inspired to create a family government in our home. "
— Julie, 10/17/2013 -
" I don't remember reading this as a kid. Very interesting insight into our political design (especially the second treatise). You have to keep reminding yourself that this was pre-Jefferson writting. But, you can sure see Locke's hand in our founding documents. "
— L, 9/27/2013 -
" astounding. A biblical and systematic look at how government should be run. "
— Nate, 9/21/2013 -
" A classic. This is a must read for anyone interested in a libertarian form of limited government. "
— Matt, 9/4/2013 -
" This is pretty good as far as writing goes, but the foundation of his theory is faulty. No one can deny that it is one of the most important books in shaping of American history, but its premises leave something to be desired. "
— Matt, 9/3/2013 -
" Brilliant Ideas! It can helpt us form a government for the new nation! "
— T, 8/11/2013 -
" My favorite writer on theory of government. Even Jefferson ripped him off "
— Toby, 6/27/2013 -
" Can find many words and phrases of the declaration of independence in this work. He clearly was very influencial on the founding fathers of the USA. Language is old style but readable. "
— Patricrk, 4/29/2013 -
" Even though Locke was probably not a Christian, I find his contributions to political theory quite valuable. I tend to agree with Locke more than with other political philosophers, though I would not agree with him as much now as I would have done in high school. "
— Jason, 4/13/2013 -
" This is pretty good as far as writing goes, but the foundation of his theory is faulty. No one can deny that it is one of the most important books in shaping of American history, but its premises leave something to be desired. "
— Matt, 4/12/2013 -
" Two Treatises of Government by John Locke (1988) "
— Craig, 2/28/2013 -
" Two Treatises of Government by John Locke (1988) "
— Risa, 2/19/2013 -
" Well, grad school is either going to educate me or kill me, I guess. Also, is it just me or was everyone in the seventeeth century wildly brilliant? "
— J., 10/17/2012 -
" Locke sets a good standard for political theory in regards to what and how to enforce the nature of a social contract. He makes some very forceful arguments but lacks the zeal or conviction of someone such as Thomas Paine. Still really great read and worth the time. "
— Evilash89, 7/5/2012 -
" been dead for centuries, still teach me something "
— Bima, 4/9/2012 -
" Locke sets a good standard for political theory in regards to what and how to enforce the nature of a social contract. He makes some very forceful arguments but lacks the zeal or conviction of someone such as Thomas Paine. Still really great read and worth the time. "
— Evilash89, 9/23/2011 -
" A wily fellow. All this talk of lyons and state of nature as mischievously different state of war. While I can't say I enjoyed the first treatise too much, this second one certainly seems to be onto something. Lovely and Monstrously devious. "
— Rosie, 7/18/2011 -
" An important book, but frankly overrated as an influence on the framing of the American Republic. More an influence of later political movements within the US, not so much of the foundation of the nation, despite what revisionists may claim. "
— Elaine, 7/9/2011 -
" Connect the dots and you are here. "
— Chris, 6/30/2011 -
" I really admire the ideas of John Locke. "
— Maeve, 5/3/2011 -
" Extremely disturbing Imperialist, racist propoganda- With a number of sections written to support the genocide of american indians, this piece made my skin crawl- especially because it essentially IS the american constitution "
— Jordan, 4/6/2011 -
" A good response to an interesting issue. Locke is cogent and articulate, as well as a pleasure to read. "
— Jackson, 3/15/2011 -
" Nice stuff in this but built on mealy mouthed xtian premises. Hobbes, not so nice stuff, but far more convincingly argued. "
— Damian, 3/14/2011 -
" A facinating perspectve? More to follow... "
— Margaret, 1/25/2011 -
" Well, grad school is either going to educate me or kill me, I guess. Also, is it just me or was everyone in the seventeeth century wildly brilliant? "
— Jed, 1/20/2011 -
" A classic. This is a must read for anyone interested in a libertarian form of limited government. "
— Matt, 9/22/2010 -
" Can find many words and phrases of the declaration of independence in this work. He clearly was very influencial on the founding fathers of the USA. Language is old style but readable. "
— Patricrk, 7/24/2010 -
" Locke advances a contractual political theory that was very influential on the formulators of the American system of government. "
— eesenor, 7/19/2010 -
" A good response to an interesting issue. Locke is cogent and articulate, as well as a pleasure to read. "
— Jackson, 6/26/2010 -
" This book made going to college worth it. I love John Locke. I love the Second Treatise. Political philosophy makes me swoon. "
— Charlotte, 11/8/2009 -
" I had always wanted to read this and finally did. Understanding Locke is essential to understanding the ideas of the Founding Fathers. The Second is the more important of the treatises and clarifies what Jefferson was thinking as he wrote the Declaration of Independence. "
— Rusty, 5/27/2009 -
" I really admire the ideas of John Locke. "
— Maeve, 4/19/2008 -
" It is depressing to consider that Fuller really required this thorough of a rebuttal. But once Locke moved past academia-snark he was more insightful and compelling. "
— Jordan, 4/12/2008 -
" pursuit of PROPERTY, not happiness. "
— Larry, 2/12/2007 -
" Brilliant Ideas! It can helpt us form a government for the new nation! "
— T, 9/20/2006
About John Locke
John Locke (1632–1704) was a British political philosopher who is often cited as the father of political liberalism. He studied medicine at Oxford University and became closely associated with the Earl of Shaftesbury, whose life he saved with a skillful operation. His best known works include A Letter Concerning Toleration, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, and Two Treatises of Government. Considered one of the first of the British empiricists and one of the most influential of the Enlightenment thinkers, his work was hugely important in the development of the social contract theory of government and influenced such later philosophers as Voltaire, Rousseau, Hume, and Kant. Two Treatises of Government in particular informed many of the principles behind the American Revolution, and its influence can particularly be seen in the Declaration of Independence.
About James Langton
James Langton, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and later as a musician at the Guildhall School in London. He has worked in radio, film, and television, also appearing in theater in England and on Broadway. He is also a professional musician who led the internationally renowned Pasadena Roof Orchestra from 1996 to 2002.