The Mind of John Locke: A Study of Political Theory in Its Intellectual Setting

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.