Customer Reviews

The Selected Political Writings of John Locke (Norton Critical Editions)

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John Locke has more influence on Western political culture than just providing Jefferson with his ideas and words for the Declaration of independence. Through his writings, particularly through his Second Treatise and Social Contract, he defines what it means to be civilized.

Combatants and non-combatants, criminals and soldiers, he presents a clarity that is missing in today's political world. If only our political leaders, and members of the press would read Locke . . there would be less ambiguity on who is and who is not deserving of our attention. As an example, non-combatants have never given their permission to be a potential target, and anyone not respecting this fact is a criminal. Period.

Some of his writings may no longer be relevant, such as his arguments against divine rights of kings, and he may be too idealistic in his expectations that people will only take what they need, but he was writing over 300 years ago, within a political climate quite different than at the present time, and at least some of his remarks should be placed in this perspective.

Locke's work remains of enduring value. The accompanying academic writings are incisive, providing a variety of perspectives from different theoretical biases. This comprehensive work offers the solid base for a mature appreciation of Locke's accomplishments and weaknesses.

That said, the book suffers from two grievous flaws. First, the font is exceptionally small; get high-powered reading glasses. Second, and more damning -- especially for a compendium, there is no table of contents. This reflects poorly upon the publisher. For those reasons, I knock off the stars.

Content - 5 stars
Presentation - 2 stars

I read this book for a graduate class on political philosophy. I love Norton Critical Edition's for all their insightful commentary.

John Locke (1632-1704) wrote "Second Treatise of Government" in 1690, it was the main political philosophical source that our "Founding Fathers" went to in writing the "Declaration of Independence" and in forming our government. I think you should know something of Locke to understand what influenced his thinking. His father was a small landowner, attorney, Puritan and his political sympathies were with the Cromwell Parliament. Like Hobbes, Locke attended Oxford Univ. and did not think much about the curriculum or his professors. Most of his education came from reading books in the Univ. library. Renee Descartes and Sir Isaac Newton's writings greatly influenced Locke. Like Hobbes, he took a tutoring job teaching the son of the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, and traveled Europe. His friendship with the Earl was beneficial in obtaining government appointments. During the political unrest in England, (1679-83) he fled to Holland because his liberal notions put him at odds with the government.

Locke writes the "Second Treatise of Government" to justify the Revolt of 1688 and the ascension of William of Orange to the English throne. The book argues against two lines of absolutist ideas. The first is Sir Robert Filmer's "patriarchal theory of divine right of kings; secondly, Hobbes argument for the sovereign's absolute power in his book "Leviathan." Locke argues that government emanates from the people. Locke's treatise rests like other political writings on its interpretation of human nature. He sees our nature opposite the way Hobbes did, decent and not as selfish or competitive. Man is more inclined to join society through reason and not fear. Man prefers stability to change.

His very important contribution to "law of nature" theory was his bias toward individualism. In state of nature, before government, men were free independent, equal enjoying inalienable rights "chief among them being life, liberty, and property." Where have you read that before? Property rights receive much attention in this treatise. Locke argues that government based on consent of man can still preserve freedom independence and equality.

His political writing had immediate influence in the world and influenced our founding fathers in their struggle against tyranny. He is an excellent writer and his theories are easy to understand by the laymen. As a graduate student of political philosophy, I recommend if you have an interest in politics, philosophy, or government then you must read Locke's "Second Treatise of Government"

Paul Sigmund brings over a half-century of scholarly and classroom experience to this fine selected edition of Locke's works. Not only does he offer the reader substantive portions of Locke's major works, this edition also includes meaty selections from Locke's Locke's lesser known works as well as entries from other luminaries that influenced Locke's thought and times (Grotius, Hooker, Hobbes, etc.). Perhaps most unique is Sigmund's inclusion of several works by various Locke scholars which present the student with some of the various ways in which Locke has been interpreted. Finally, Sigmund's introduction is itself indispensable for newcomers and Locke veterans alike (full disclosure: while now a professor, I studied under Sigmund and thus can affirm his book is helpful both for the student and the scholar).

Finally, to briefly address two criticisms made in another review, the book most certainly DOES have a thorough and helpful table of contents from pages v-viii. It may not be visible on Amazon but it is in the book. As for the print being too small, this Norton edition, while helpful for Locke readers of all levels, is particularly meant to be useful for college students. Such students not only have sharper eyesight than those of us a bit older, but they also appreciate the additional content they get per page for their dollar.

Locke remains a crucial figure for understanding the origins of liberal government, modernity, and the American experiment in ordered liberty. He is a fascinating figure, and Paul Sigmund is an exemplary guide to his work.