Two Treatises of Government  Audiobook, by John Locke Play Audiobook Sample

Two Treatises of Government Audiobook

Two Treatises of Government  Audiobook, by John Locke Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: James Langton Publisher: Tantor Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 6.67 hours at 1.5x Speed 5.00 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: March 2011 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781452671420

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

32

Longest Chapter Length:

53:34 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

01:59 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

18:49 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

1

Publisher Description

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

Overall Performance: 3.90196078431373 out of 53.90196078431373 out of 53.90196078431373 out of 53.90196078431373 out of 53.90196078431373 out of 5 (3.90)
5 Stars: 14
4 Stars: 19
3 Stars: 17
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Connect the dots and you are here. "

    — Chris, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " pursuit of PROPERTY, not happiness. "

    — Larry, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Two Treatises of Government by John Locke (1988) "

    — Craig, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Yeah if you are an American of voting age and haven't read this... you should be deported. "

    — Michael, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " been dead for centuries, still teach me something "

    — Bima, 12/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Two Treatises of Government by John Locke (1988) "

    — Risa, 12/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " astounding. A biblical and systematic look at how government should be run. "

    — Nate, 9/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A classic. This is a must read for anyone interested in a libertarian form of limited government. "

    — Matt, 9/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Brilliant Ideas! It can helpt us form a government for the new nation! "

    — T, 8/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " My favorite writer on theory of government. Even Jefferson ripped him off "

    — Toby, 6/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Two Treatises of Government by John Locke (1988) "

    — Craig, 2/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Two Treatises of Government by John Locke (1988) "

    — Risa, 2/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " been dead for centuries, still teach me something "

    — Bima, 4/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Connect the dots and you are here. "

    — Chris, 6/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I really admire the ideas of John Locke. "

    — Maeve, 5/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A good response to an interesting issue. Locke is cogent and articulate, as well as a pleasure to read. "

    — Jackson, 3/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A facinating perspectve? More to follow... "

    — Margaret, 1/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A classic. This is a must read for anyone interested in a libertarian form of limited government. "

    — Matt, 9/22/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Locke advances a contractual political theory that was very influential on the formulators of the American system of government. "

    — eesenor, 7/19/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A good response to an interesting issue. Locke is cogent and articulate, as well as a pleasure to read. "

    — Jackson, 6/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I really admire the ideas of John Locke. "

    — Maeve, 4/19/2008
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " pursuit of PROPERTY, not happiness. "

    — Larry, 2/12/2007
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Brilliant Ideas! It can helpt us form a government for the new nation! "

    — T, 9/20/2006

About the Authors

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.

John Locke is the author of the international bestselling Donovan Creed series, which include Saving Rachel, Wish List, Lethal People, Lethal Experiment, Now & Then, and A Girl Like You. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

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.