The Mind Of John Locke

John Locke (1632-1704) is a central figure in the history of thought, and in liberal doctrine especially. This is the first major study of his thought to bring a range of his wider views to bear upon his political theory. Every political theorist has a vision, a view about the basic features of life and society, as well as a technique which mediates this into propositions about politics. Locke's vision spanned questions concerning Christian worship, ethics, political economy, medicine, the human understanding, revealed theology and education. This study shows how the character of these wider concerns informed Two Treatises of Government, especially in respect of a view of divine teleology, and situated a distinctive view of politics which treated the state and the church in parallel terms. Locke's political theory suggested the revision or replacement of many prevailing positions. It also indicates the indivisibility of thought, for in its turn it contributed to the further development of his vision. By connecting his wider interests with his political thought, this volume offers the first integrated study of the mind of John Locke.

John Locke (1632SH1704) is a central figure in the history of liberal doctrine. His mind spanned questions concerning Christian worship, ethics, political economy, medicine, human understanding, revealed theology, and education. The effect of this study is both to show how the character of his wider concerns informed The Two Treatises of Government and to indicate how his political theory, in its turn, contributed to the further development of his vision. The book therefore offers the first fully integrated study of the mind of John Locke.